Seize This Day

How To Be One Of The 3

2012-01-26T09:31:00.000-05:00

Small Business Book Awards

2012-01-22T16:42:00.000-05:00

Join me in voting for the best business books of 2012. The Awards celebrate the best books that small business owners and entrepreneurs should read, and honor the authors who write them. The Awards enable the small business community to nominate, show their support for, and vote on their favorite business books.

HOW DO THE SMALL BUSINESS BOOK AWARDS WORK?

The Small Business Book Awards consist of two phases:

Phase 1 - Nomination: Anyone can nominate a business book. All nominations are subject to editorial review and approval by the Editors of Small Business Trends, to ensure they meet eligibility criteria. Nominations must be submitted by January 31, 2012, at 11:59pm Los Angeles time.

Phase 2 - Voting: Anyone can vote on the nominated books. Voting takes place from February 1, 2012 to February 16, 2012. To vote, simply find the book or books of your choice and click on the "VOTE" button. Visit the Small Business Book Awards page daily and vote. One vote per IP address, per book, per day. Vote for as many books as you wish.

WHAT DO THE WINNERS GET?

The top 10 vote getters at the conclusion of voting, will each be named to the 2012 winners' list, along with the recognition that comes with being named a 2012 Small Business Book Awards winner. Recognition includes publicity as a winner, as well as the right to display Winners insignias on books, websites, brochures and elsewhere.

There will also be awards for the top 5 books in each category.

Make Networking ‘Work’ for You on Accelerate Your Business Growth Radio Show on Monday January 23rd at 1:00 PM EST

2012-01-18T07:12:00.000-05:00

Join me onMonday when my guest will be Kerry Heap’s of Kerry’s Network for Women. She’llbe sharing her thoughts on how to use networking effectively to grow yourbusiness. This is something we ALL can use!

Kerry Heaps is the Founderand President of Kerry's Network, Inc. which includes divisions such as Kerry'sNetwork for Women (Free Business Networking Groups for Women in Business), TheBusiness Review Quarterly Magazine and Kerry's Network Talk Radio, a weeklytalk show featuring successful business owners.

Can’t be atyour computer at 1? No problem! You can now download an app through Stitcher SmartRadio to getthe show on your mobile device, ipad, or laptop.

Listeners canlog into the call online here http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbig(there is no cost) to participate, or they can call in at 1-347-838-9838. Thoseinterested in listening from their computers can do so from the host pagelisted above.

A podcastwill be available immediately following the show for download or listening atthe host page. Listeners are encouraged to follow the host, Diane Helbig, to beinformed of future shows.

Monday’s showis sponsored by WIN Cleveland and Vision 21. WINCleveland is an organization that empowers female professionals bycreating new access points for individual business development. They supportone another by providing continual professional growth, sharing a wide varietyof ideas and resources and assisting select women-based charities within theircommunity. Visit www.wincleveland.org for more information. Vision 21 is anentrepreneur resource and development center that was created to assistestablished and aspiring entrepreneurs successfully launch and grow smallbusiness enterprises throughout Greater Cleveland. Visit www.visiontwentyone.org for details.

Make The Shift

2012-01-17T07:41:00.002-05:00

My associate Beverly Flaxington is launching her new book today. You can get the book PLUS free bonus items when you buy it today.

Here's what she has to say:

I have partnered with over 90 experts in so many differentcategories and ONLY TODAY – they offer their amazing work for free. Every areaimaginable is represented here and it is literally THOUSANDS OF DOLLARSin free gifts.

So, TODAY(January 17^th) – spend $15.95 to get thousands free. Dr. JackieBlack said, “If you only buy oneself-help or business book this year, make it this one.”

Please go to www.shiftmodel.com to purchase.

This is theyear for YOU to make a shift!!!

Beverly D. Flaxington, gold-award winningauthor of Understanding Other People: The Five Secrets to Human Behavior,author of The 7 Steps to Effective Business Building for Financial Advisors,co-author of Wealthbuilding: A Consumer's Guide to Making Profitable andComfortable Investment Decisions

www.the-collaborative.com

www.advisorstrustedadvisor.com

www.understandingotherpeople.com

Visit me at http://www.linkedin.com/pub/beverly-flaxington/1/487/215

Follow me on Twitter: @BevFlaxington

Innovating Business Growth ThroughReal World Experience

How To Use Tradeshows Effectively

2012-01-13T08:30:00.000-05:00

How To Get Access To My Contacts

2011-12-27T14:00:00.000-05:00

Sales Force Automation Improvements

2011-12-23T11:43:00.000-05:00

Lauren Carlson of SFA Software Advice provides us with a great analysis of SFA and how it's changed. Could you imagine not using some sort of Sales Force Automation in your business? I know I couldn't!

If this is something new to you, give some real thought to implementing something in the new year. Structure is important in growing your business. SFA helps you gain that structure.

How To Create An Effective Sales Process

2011-12-19T11:27:00.000-05:00

Tech Essentials with Jane Applegate

2011-12-13T08:44:00.001-05:00

Small business expert and author, Jane Applegate, has teamedup with Microsoft’s Windows Small Business Server team to launch TechEssentials with Jane Applegate,a new online program showcasing the best technology, tools, and equipment forgrowing companies.

Tech Essentials launched on Dec. 8, 2011 at www.myfirstserver.com. Produced and hosted by Applegate, the new20-minute program features interviews with experts and small business owners.Applegate and her guests provide insights and advice for making betterdecisions related to purchasing technology and equipment.

“Small businesses know that technology such as a WindowsSmall Business Server can give them a competitive edge. However, smallorganizations often need insights into how to maximize technology in theirspecific circumstances,” said David Fabritius, senior product manager, WindowsServer and Virtualization at Microsoft. “We’re excited to see that Tech Essentials will give small businessowners the information they need to succeed, on demand.”

Applegate is an award-winning author of four popular bookson small business management, a producer and former syndicated small businesscolumnist for the Los Angeles Times. Shecovers small business topics for OpenForum.com, Bloomberg.com, andPBsmartessentials.com.

“Thanks to Microsoft for providing an opportunity to producea new, online small business program that provides timely information about thebest technology for growing a business,” said Applegate. “Tech Essentials provides business owners and managers with thelatest tools, technology, and information they need to succeed in today’ssuper-competitive business environment.”

Ramon Ray, Smallbiztechnology.com’s editor and techevangelist, joins Applegate as the expert on the first episode, which was shotat the Microsoft Studios. Ray produces technology conferences and is a popularspeaker.

Tech Essentials also offers viewers anopportunity to submit their stories or share their technical expertise as apotential guest on a future episode. Viewers can also submit questions forApplegate to answer via email or Skype.

Tech Essentials with Jane Applegate segments:

• Tell YourStory: Business owners share their besttechnology solutions

• TechTrends Update: Products and news you canuse

• TechTips: Exclusive tips and strategies from respected small business authors andconsultants

• Ask theExpert: Jane interviews technology experts

Prior to producing and hosting Tech Essentials, Jane Applegatecreated, produced and served as the national correspondent for Bloomberg Small Business, which aired onUSA Network. She’s currently the leading small business speaker for BloombergTV’s “Idea Exchange” speakers’ program. She keynoted 15 events in 2011.

Applegate also reported for CNBC’s How to Succeed in Business and CNN’s For Entrepreneurs Only. The Applegate Group has produced a varietyof small business programming for PBS, Lifetime, and ABC. Applegate’s dailysmall business radio report was syndicated on CBS stations for several years.

She’s the author of 201Great Ideas for Your Small Business, a Bloomberg Press book published inall formats by John Wiley & Sons. Applegateis writing her fifth book about the power of personal contacts in an impersonalworld.

For more information visit: www.myfirstserver.com andwww.theapplegategroup.com.

Entrepreneurship - Are You Ready?

2011-12-12T08:42:00.000-05:00

Whether you are already a business owner or are considering taking the plunge, you'll want to tune into Accelerate Your Business Growth today at 1pm. My guest will be Janet Christy and she'll be talking about this very relevant subject.

Today's show is sponsored by Vision 21, an entrepreneur resource center in Lakewood Ohio, and Seize This Day Coaching's Sales Training Program.

Accelerate Your Business Growth airs on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 1pm EDT/EST on Blog Talk Radio. You can call into 347-838-9838 and/or listen online at

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbig.

Won't be in front of a computer? No worries! You can now download the Stitcher SmartRadio App to receive the show on your mobile device. For Free!!

Each show features a guest or two sharing topics that are relevant to your business success. All shows are recorded and available on iTunes as well. So, if you can't join us you can download the show later.

***

Know someone you think would be a good guest? Let me know.

Interested in sponsoring a show? I'd be happy to share the sponsorship information with you. There are only 3 sponsorship slots per show so grab yours today!

To your continued success,

How To Create Loyal Clients

2011-12-07T09:13:00.000-05:00

How To Define Your Ideal Client

2011-12-01T09:47:00.001-05:00

Gratitude Is More Than A Holiday Emotion

2011-11-27T14:48:00.001-05:00

Did you ever notice that the time that we most think aboutgratitude, hear about gratitude, and experience gratitude is during the holidayseason each year?

Gratitude is a practice that benefits us on every level - all yearround. It can

improve your health, help you build better relationships and keepyour customers and/or employees happier and more satisfied. What can we doto harness the power of gratitude in our daily lives?

Join me and my guest Lisa Ryan on Accelerate Your Business Growth on Monday, Nov 28th as we discuss simplestrategies for incorporating gratitude into your business and into yourlife. You will learn how showing appreciation to all the people you comeinto contact with – from clients to family and friends - will make adifference.

How To Create An Effective Elevator Pitch

2011-11-24T10:12:00.001-05:00

M.O. Interview

2011-11-22T09:43:00.000-05:00

Please visit M.O. to see my feature interview. And if you like it, vote for it!
Thanks a ton.

2011 Top Sales Awards

2011-11-21T18:38:00.000-05:00

You won't want to miss this year's Top Sales and Marketing Awards on December 15th.
Bookmark the site and put it on your calendar!
The world's best will be vying for these prestigious awards. The public voting has just begun so head on over to Top Sales Awards and place your votes!

Jonathan Farrington of JF Corporation and Gerhard Gschwandtner of Selling Power are outstanding MCs.

201 Great Ideas for Your Small Business

2011-11-21T07:15:00.001-05:00

by Jane Applegate. This is a great book for small business owners. Check it out on Amazon

I had the pleasure of meeting Jane on November 17th at the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce/Rocky River Chamber of Commerce joint meeting. She spoke about marketing in small business. She had a lot of great information including the 4 Rs:

1. Review - take all of your marketing collateral and lay it out on a table. Is it consistent? Does it need a refresh?

2. Refocus - on who your target market is, where they are, and how you should communicate with them

3. Revise - your marketing strategy based on the answers in #2

4. Relaunch - now go do it!

Pretty good, succinct advise, especially as we head toward 2012. Now go get em!

Mobile Retail POS Applications - interesting post

2011-11-20T20:42:00.001-05:00

Here is the link to an interesting guide to Mobile Retail POS applications. Michael does a great job of comparing them so retailers can make informed decisions.

Find his blog post here - Mobile Retail POS

Proper Prospecting

2011-11-16T08:46:00.001-05:00

The other day I facilitated a Brown Bag Lunch at Vision 21. We got into a spirited conversation about prospecting and marketing. What is acceptable? What works? How can someone make a positive impact? These are all questions we addressed.

And when it came right down to it, the answer is - build relationships.

Sounds simple, right? Well, it is! People just don't think about it this way. It is my opinion that we think about what we can gain instead of what we can bring. I'll give you an example. When you decide you are going to add people to your enewsletter list without asking them if they want to be added, you are doing it because you want to be in front of them; you want to build your list. That's all about you.

When you ask someone if they'd like to be added to the list, you are thinking about them. You've listened to them and you've determined that they might gain something from your words. You are now bringing value to someone else - which in turn will bring value to you!

Think about your market. Think about what they need or want. Think about how they want to be treated. Think about how you can help them so they want to be around you. You'll find that you gain more followers and enews subscribers this way than the other.

2011-11-14T15:00:00.000-05:00

You can now hear Accelerate Your Business Growth while on the go with Stitcher SmartRadio.

On demand News, Talk and More on yourmobile phone.

The latest episode is always availablefor you- no syncing needed… and no memory or storage wasted!

Available for your iPhone, , Androidphones, WebOS phones or your BlackBerry.

Downloading is easy, go toStitcher.com or check out your appstore. Stitcher SmartRadio- The Smarter Way to listen to radio

· Stitcher is also available in some car dashboardsystems (GM & Ford), and on SONOS system There are over 5000 shows on Stitcher

Check it out today!

The ABCs of Sales Strategy for Small Business

2011-11-10T21:02:00.001-05:00

I am so excited to have the chance to conduct a webinar for Ventureneer on December 1st. We'll be exploring the aspects of an effective sales strategy. The webinar is free - so register today!

Jeffrey Rayport Speaks

2011-11-07T08:13:00.000-05:00

Jeffrey Rayport has a keen understanding of customer behavior and marketing. When he spoke at the COSE Small Business Conference in October he shared 5 marketing tips along with some other information. He had a lot to say in a very short period! He left us with great new ways of approaching our marketing.

One of the things that he said was 'the web has verticalized commerce.' This is a critical statement. It says that the playing field has been leveled and small business can now compete with big business. We shouldn't worry that we are small. Frankly, we should embrace our size! It allows us to be nimble and flexible. We can more easily adapt to our clients and therefore, help them in ways larger companies can't.

Here are Jeffrey's 5 marketing tips. Take them into consideration as you plan your strategy.

1. Target your diehard fans and empower them.

2. Socialize the brand.

3. Work the web

4. Experience is everything (***make sure your customers are having an experience. It matters)

5. Integrate the touch points

My takeaway from this is simply consider how your prospects think and buy when marketing to them. Create a strategy that keeps them at the forefront and they will respond.

5 Shark Tips

2011-11-04T12:45:00.003-05:00

On October 19th I had the pleasure of hearing Daymond John of FUBU and Shark Tank speak at the COSE Small Business Conference. He shared a lot of really valuable business insights including his 5 Shark Tips. I'd like to pass them on here.

1. Set Goals - you can't hit a target if you can't see it.
2. Homework - life is 20% what happens to you and 80% how you respond to it. Do your homework. Understand your product, your industry, your prospect base.
3. Amore - do what you love!
4. Remember YOU are the brand way before anything else. Master your elevator pitch. Make sure it's informative, decisive, and makes other people feel they are missing out if they don't engage with you.
5. Keep moving - success/sacrifice is giving up something of lesser value for something of greater value.

Some really great things to keep in mind as you travel your path. They may sound simple - that's the beauty! There are no magic beans. Just common sense and stick-to-it-iveness.

WE’VE GOT TO START MEETING LIKE THIS! Tuesday, November 14, 2011 On Accelerate Your Business Growth, the radio show that’s “all things small business”!

2011-10-31T14:00:00.000-05:00

Join me as I welcome Pamela Cournoyer, Trainer, Coach and Facilitator on thetopic of business meetings. The showwill offer tips and discussion on running efficient and effective meetings andaddress meeting challenges and difficult people in meetings.

Pam holdsfive national master trainer-of-trainer certifications and combines herunderstanding of cultures, generational differences, and behavioral styles tohelp her move groups forward quickly. Join the conversation live at 1:00 p.m.Eastern Time at www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbigor download a podcast of the show for convenient listening.

ACCELERATE YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH is an interactive, live internettalk-radio show helping small business owners grow their business by discussingeverything small business – from sales to leadership, time management topricing, from business technology to life/work balance. The internet radio show broadcasts live at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbigon the 2nd and 4^th Mondays of the month at 1:00 pm. Easterntime. A downloadable podcast is alsoavailable immediately following the show on the show page and on iTunes.

Guests are invited to call in and join the discussion by calling LIVE at1-347-838-9838. This week’sshow is sponsored by WIN Cleveland and Vision 21.

Writing to Influence

2011-10-10T13:15:00.000-05:00

If you weren't able to catch today's radio show with guest Stefanie Frank, you'll want to listen here.
Stef provided some outstanding, actionable information on how to write for your audience in a way that will compel them to action.

Listen to internet radio with Diane Helbig on Blog Talk Radio

When The Phone Doesn't Ring

2011-09-22T07:36:00.000-05:00

Do you find that sales are great as long as the phone is ringing? So, what happens when the phone doesn't ring? Do sales dry up? If so, you weren't selling; you were taking orders. Sales is an activity that starts with you. Decide who your target market is and then create a plan to pursue them.

YOU have to take action. If you wait for the phone to ring you might want to spend your time applying for jobs, because guess what? You will be out of business in no time. Harsh words? Possibly. Yet truthful.

Get active. Make calls. Attend events. Write blog posts. Interact with people. Ask for referrals. Do whatever it takes to get the sales in the door. You'll feel much better because you will be in control. When you wait for the phone to ring, you are putting the control in other people's hands. That can't feel good.

Is Your Technology Future In The Cloud?

2011-09-08T14:32:00.000-05:00

Join me on Monday, September 12th when I'll be speaking with Laura Rusick, president of OPT Solutions about this confusing topic. Do you have a grasp of the cloud? Is cloud computing something you should be doing in your business?

Laura is an expert in all things IT and will help all of us understand how we can harness this powerful tool - or not! It might depend on your business. I can't wait to learn more about this so I can make sure I'm doing the right things. How about you?

Tune in at 1pm EST to Accelerate Your Business Growth and/or call into the show - 347-838-9838. We welcome audience participation.

The show is sponsored by Vision 21, an entrepreneur resource and development center in Lakewood Ohio, and WIN Cleveland, a business development organization for women in Northeast Ohio. Visit www.visiontwentyone.org and www.wincleveland.org for details about these great organizations.

It's Not A Resume

2011-08-30T13:25:00.000-05:00

Your LinkedIn profile is not your resume. It's more about who you are, how you think, and the value you bring to your clients. Your summary is a great place to really talk about your brand. You'll have content rich keywords in there that the search engines just love. So it has a double purpose.

Don't tell people where you've been - that's for your past experience section. Rather tell them who you are. Tell them how you help x solve y problem. And then use the rest of LinkedIn to share your expertise and position yourself as THE expert in your field.

Believe me when I tell you this - your competition is out there. When prospects go looking for solutions, you better show up or they'll go someplace else.

So how are you using LinkedIn to better position yourself and your business?

CHANGE YOUR THINKING, CHANGE YOUR LIFE THIS WEEK ON “Accelerate Your Business Growth” Live with Diane Helbig Monday, August 22nd

2011-08-17T05:07:00.000-05:00

Join host Diane Helbig Monday, August 22^nd live on ACCELERATE YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH with very special guest Joel Head, founder of HEADWINDS Ltd., and learn how you can Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life.

Joel H. Head, ELI-MP, CPC is a Master Practitioner in Energy Leadership, a process that helps business people get better results in their current activity or for a role to which they aspire. Joel helps his clients shift from “fighting fires” to being proactive and creating solutions and leading their teams to do so, too.

Joel is the Managing Partner of Headwinds Ltd. A certified professional coach and organization performance consultant, Joel works with leaders to build more engaged and accountable teams, enhance leadership capability, and improve operating effectiveness.

In the second segment, join the discussion on business partnerships. When do they work? What should you watch out for?

ACCELERATE YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH is an interactive, live internet talk-radio show covering everything small business – from sales to leadership, time management to pricing, from business writing to life/work balance. Host DIANE HELBIG interviews experts in several small business areas then opens the discussion to callers.

ACCELERATE YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH broadcasts live at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbig on the 2nd and 4^th Mondays of the month at 1:00 pm. Eastern time. A downloadable podcast is also available immediately following the show. To call in and ask the expert pertinent questions about the topic of the day, dial LIVE at 1-347-838-9838.

This week’s show is sponsored by WIN Cleveland and Vision 21.

Is Cold Calling Still Relevant?

2011-08-15T10:22:00.001-05:00

Without question, prospecting is THE most difficult aspect of professional selling and unfortunately it is not getting any easier. All sales professionals have been told to find new potential customers, but most are not taught how to do it effectively. So, sales professional are left to try and figure out the best way to meet new people on their own. And the most popular method is Cold Calling. But does cold calling still work? Some experts will tell you most salespeople waste a tremendous amount of time cold calling for new business despite the fact that cold calling is an obsolete sales technique. Other experts will tell you that if done right, cold calling is still very effective, especially when it is connected to social media. This month, SOLD has brought together leading sales experts from both sides of this issue to help you form an opinion and strategy concerning this critical aspect of the sales process.

Click here to read the August edition of SOLD!

Is Groupon Right For Your Retail Business

2011-08-09T09:19:00.001-05:00

Michael Koploy of Software Advice has written a great article about Groupon and how you can determine whether it is a good idea for your retail business. You can read the article here. Great advice for the small business owner. Just because something is all the rage doesn't mean it is a fit for your business.

Do your homework and due diligence. That way you'll be sure to realize the benefits of any marketing program you enact.

DEBRA WOOG TO GUEST ON ACCELERATE YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH Creator of The Brilliance-Based Business Success System™ Shares Tips for Entrepreneur Success

2011-08-04T06:49:00.000-05:00

LAKEWOOD - On Accelerate You Business Growth Monday, August 8^th at 1:00 p.m., host Diane Helbig welcomes Debra A. Woog, President of connect2 Corporation, to discuss “The Keys to Growing Your Profit with Joy & Ease for Brilliance-Based Business Owners”. Entrepreneurs can join the conversation on Blog Talk Radio or download at their convenience at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbig.

Guest Debra A. Woog, President of connect2 Corporation, coaches women entrepreneurs to accelerate personal and enterprise growth with profit-enhancing marketing, technology, management and personal best practices. With twenty years of experience in corporate and academic settings, she knows first-hand how challenging it can be to lead a fulfilling career and also be a healthy, present family member and friend. She created the Brilliance-Based Business Success System™ for experts, educators, consultants, healing professionals and creative professionals. Debra earned her B.A. in Psychology and American Studies from Wellesley College and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

Are Successful People Really Morons?

2011-08-02T08:22:00.000-05:00

Marketing Message Misstep #4

2011-07-19T07:55:00.000-05:00

Small Business Influencers

2011-07-18T07:10:00.000-05:00

I am honored to be nominated as a Small Business Influencer in a contest conducted by Small Biz Trends and Small Biz Technology. There will be 100 finalists out of a field of 520. And I'd sure love to be one of the 100!!!

Please vote and share with anyone you think might be interested in helping me reach my goal.

Until You've Got It, You Don't

2011-07-17T18:10:00.000-05:00

One of the trickiest issues facing small business owners and sales people is feeling good about potential business. How many times have you ticked through quotes you’ve sent out and evaluated them based on how likely they are to turn into business?

We all do it and it’s a good exercise. The danger comes in when we count on those likelihoods; when we decide we are getting that business. When this happens we start worrying about capacity. We do the ‘what if’ of sales. What if I get all of those pieces of business?

Have you done this? Now here’s a question – when this happens do you scale back your sales effort because you don’t want to start attracting more business in the event the other quotes come through? Yep, it’s because of capacity. We run this script through our heads – ‘If I get those jobs I’ll be maxed out and won’t be able to add anything to the table. I don’t want to start pursuing other business only to have to tell those people that I can’t launch their project.’

Understandable, and if I may, misguided. This thinking causes us to scale back our sales and marketing efforts while we wait for the prospect to opt on. When the prospect takes too long we find that we’ve created a space where there is no new business coming in and none on the horizon – other than the possibility of those quotes we have out.

How can we create a framework in which we can better deal with this situation? The first thing occurs in the quoting process. There should be a clause in all quotes providing a time limit on the validity of the quote. Something like ‘this quote good for 30 days from date designated herein.’ When you have this clause you can go about your sales and marketing. Most things don’t happen overnight in sales. Having this clause allows you to continue building relationships and accumulating potential business. You don’t have to worry about it on a daily basis. If the prospect signs on within the 30 day window it gives you an idea of what your calendar is going to look like. If they don’t, no worries! You are moving on.

You can also create a statement within your proposals letting prospects know how you schedule work. When you are clear about the order in which work is assigned, they know what to expect. They know where they fit. And, you get to keep selling without fear that all of the deals are going to come through at the same time.

Lastly, just because you have quotes out doesn’t mean you are going to get that business. I know you know this but it deserves statement. It is the belief that those quotes are going to turn into business that keeps us from selling as much and as consistently as we should be.

Until the contract is signed and/or a deposit is received, you do not have that business and you need to keep prospecting as if you have no quotes out. You have to trust that when you are prospecting consistently the work will come in the same way.

Set yourself up for workload management with the clauses mentioned above AND continuing to prospect actively. You’ll find that business comes to you in a way you CAN control and maximize.

Google+ For Business

2011-07-12T06:47:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was a guest on The Entrepreneur's Insight Radio show on WELW. I participate on this show about once a month to talk about social media and business. Yesterday I told the host, Kip Marlow, that I thought Google+ will actually compete with LinkedIn, not Facebook.

Bombshell? I don't think so! I think those people who are talking a close look at Google+ and what it's intent and value are understand that it is a platform that will be very valuable to small business. Well, Facebook is still a social network. While it has tried to position itself as a business platform with it's Fan Pages, it has a long way to go. I think we all agree that the Fan Pages work well for b2c companies but not so well for b2b.

So, where does a b2b get traction? On LinkedIn. Right! LinkedIn is really the platform that has been positioned as THE business site. Now, when we look at the plan for Google+ we see that it is positioning itself to be a business platform. Therefore, it will be competing with LinkedIn, not Facebook.

Now that you've seen my logic, check out this article by Chris Brogan on Open Forum.

DIGITAL MARKETING STRATEGIES AND ROI - ON ACCELERATE YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH RADIO JULY 11TH 1PM EDT

2011-07-06T06:42:00.000-05:00

Join me Monday, July 11th live on ACCELERATEYOUR BUSINESS GROWTH radio show to discuss ‘DIGITAL MARKETING STRATEGY AND RETURN ON INVESTMENT” .

This week’s special guest Ryan Hardy of The Intuitive Marketing Group in Cleveland will share insights into this important business development topic. Ryan graduated from Cleveland State University with a BA in Business Administration and a major in finance. He brings experience from Vetus Partners Investment Banking Firm, Bank of America, and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. After years of private consulting, Ryan turned his experience with SEO and digital marketing into a business to assist companies in utilizing the internet to reduce costs and increase sales.

ACCELERATE YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH is an interactive, live internet talk-radio show covering everything small business – from sales to leadership, time management to pricing, from business writing to life/work balance. Host DIANE HELBIG interviews experts in several small business areas then opens the discussion to callers.

ACCELERATE YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH broadcasts live at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbig on the 2nd and 4^th Mondays of the month at 1:00 pm. Eastern time. A downloadable podcast is also available immediately following the show. To call in and ask the expert pertinent questions about the topic of the day, dial LIVE at 1-347-838-9838.

This week’s show is sponsored by WIN Cleveland and Vision 21.

Relationship With Money

2011-06-28T13:02:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of having Kathleen Burns Kingsbury as a guest on my radio show, Accelerate Your Business Growth. She shared a lot of valuable information with us, including the 5 most common negotiating mistakes business owners make. They are:

1. The business owner hasn't researched their market or clients at all or well enough.

2. The business owner negotiates price when he/she should be negotiating value. You first, of course, have to believe in your value.

3. The business owner focuses on features instead of benefits. This goes along with understanding your value and then speaking to that value. It's not about the bells and whistles - it's about the results. You have to be an active listener in order to focus on benefits effectively.

4. Business owners try to read the mind of the other party. Well, you can't! Get out of their head, listen attentively, and know that it's okay to end with a maybe. It's also okay for you to want more time to decide if the relationship or result is good for you.

5. Business owners don't know when to be quiet! This is a biggy. When you listen you are in a position to clearly evaluate where you are and where you want to go. You are also better at responding instead of reacting.

She told us a lot more during the hour-long show. I encourage you to visit the showpage and listen to or download the episode. Or, go to iTunes and search for Accelerate Your Business Growth. There you'll find all of the show archives.

Kathleen has a workbook, Creating Wealth from the Inside Out Workbook, that she has on sale until July 4th. I bought one and highly recommend that you do the same if you are at all curious about how your relationship with money impacts your negotiations. You can go here to purchase the workbook.

I'm A Kickstarter!

2011-06-24T12:49:00.000-05:00

I was first introduced to Kickstarter when I read "The Crowdfunding Revolution: Social Networking Meets Venture Financing." Kickstarter is a website where people with big ideas can post their idea, what their funding goal is, and a deadline to receive donations. Then they set out to try to raise the funds they need to launch the project. It's mainly arts, literature, video, and music projects.

I've been fascinated ever since by this whole idea of reaching out to the crowd to fund a business or project idea. It feels like it will truly change venture funding forever. As a 'funder' you get to participate in helping a project launch with only a small donation. So you don't have to have deep pockets to participate in venture financing. On Kickstarter, they don't take your pledge unless the project is funded completely. So it's not as if you are throwing money away on a possibility.

About a week or so ago I saw a Facebook post by a friend of mine regarding a project on Kickstarter - Murder City Shakedown. Murder City Shakedown is a memoir of the cold case investigation by J. Reuben Appelman into the serial murders of four children in the neighborhoods surrounding his childhood home.

It just so happens that I too lived through that horrible time. A friend of mine's brother was the last child killed by the Oakland County Childkiller.

So, when I saw the post I just knew I wanted to be a part of it. Off I went and pledged. But that wasn't enough. I really wanted to see this project launch so I did my part to spread the word throughout my networks. Amazingly enough, just when we thought it was doomed, he raised $10,000 in the last 3 days!! I am thrilled to say the project is a go.

And I am a kickstarter! It feels good to be a part of the revolution, and a part of this important project.

Go check out Kickstarter for yourself. Who knows, you might just find a project that speaks to you.

June 27th on Accelerate Your Business Growth Radio Show

2011-06-22T08:24:00.001-05:00

Learn “5 Common Negotiation Mistakes Business Owners Make and How to Avoid Them” on ACCELERATE YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH internet radio show with host Diane Helbig, Monday, June 27^th at 1:00.p.m on Blog Talk Radio.

Guest Kathleen Burns Kinsgbury, author, leading executive coach and adjunct professor of Business at the McCallum Graduate School of Business at Bentley University presents how myths about money and wealth can prevent professionals from asking for raises, charging competitive fees and earning their true worth. Listeners will learn tips on leaving emotions at the door and how to put these techniques into action immediately.

This week’s show is sponsored by WIN Cleveland and Vision 21.

# # #

ABOUT Host DIANE HELBIG

Diane Helbig is a recognized business and leadership development coach based in the Cleveland, Ohio area. She is the author of Lemonade Stand Selling: Accelerate Your Small Business Growth (Sales Gravy, 2010), guest speaker at business events and workshop facilitator. As Founder and President of Seize This Day Coaching, Diane helps businesses and organizations operate more constructively and profitably.

ABOUT Guest Kathleen Burns Kingsbury

Kathleen Burns Kingsbury, LMHC CPCC is a wealth psychology expert, author of Creating Wealth from the Inside Out Workbook, speaker, certified professional coach with a Masters Degree in Psychology, and an adjunct professor at the McCallum Graduate School of Business at Bentley University. Ms. Burns Kingsbury is the Principal of KBK Wealth Connection.

For additional information or sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.seizethisdaycoaching.com.

1 in 20

2011-06-17T07:02:00.000-05:00

So many people are struggling these days with time management. I hear it all the time 'I just need to figure out how to schedule an hour a day . . . '

Here's a thought - STOP trying!

I think the mistake we make is trying to carve out big blocks of time. They're too big so we don't do it. Let's face it, if we had an hour to do something, well, we'd be totally organized and productive!

Try looking at it differently. Compartmentalize. Pick 1 thing to do in 20 minutes in one day. Don't over-analyze it or worry over it. Just set out to do 1 thing in 20 minutes today. Tomorrow you can pick a different thing to do in 20 minutes.

This serves two purposes
1. it helps you break your tasks down into little bite-size, DOABLE, pieces.
2. it puts that thing into a little space so you can do it and move on.

When you work this way you will find that you are accomplishing things. This will prompt you to continue the process, which will serve to accomplish more and more things in your business. How great is that??!!

I Just Called To Say . . .

2011-06-15T19:10:00.000-05:00

We all know how important it is to follow up with a client after we do the work. The question is how to do it well. One of my newsletter subscribers asked me to address this issue. Actually, her exact words were, “What is a good way to word a follow up email once you’ve shipped?” So, here we go!

The first thing I’m going to say is this – don’t follow up via email. Follow up with a phone call. The client matters to you. The work you do matters to you. Don’t leave the follow up to misinterpretation or getting lost in the massive amount of email people get. Unless a client prefers email as the means of communication, do yourself a favor and call them on the phone. You want them to hear your tone of voice, your confidence. An email can’t do that for you. In addition, if there was a problem, you want to be able to address it immediately. I’m not sure you can do that through email as effectively as via phone.

The second thing I’m going to say is the sooner the better. I think you should check in within a week of the order; ideally within 2 days. If you want to be sure everything went well, be sure as soon as possible. That way if something went wrong you are right on it. It shows caring and strength.

When you do call, what do you say? There is the fear that you’ll sound like you aren’t sure whether you delivered a quality product. Or that you are fearful something went wrong. You think that you want to show confidence in your work but if you call to check in it will somehow be interpreted as insecurity.

I believe it is critically important to communicate with your clients before, during and after the sale. You can pre-empt any discomfort by letting your clients know your process – and that the follow up call is simply part of it. That way they will expect it and won’t think twice about why you are calling.

Your clients want to know that you care. They want to know that you aren’t just in it for the sale; you’re in it for the long haul. And that means you are going to be sure everything went according to plan. Things happen; life can get in the way. It’s not unusual and I think most people respect that sometimes circumstances beyond your control can impact the job you do. Don’t you want to know as quickly as possible whether there was a hiccup? That way you can deal with it head on. In addition, the follow up call gives you the opportunity to communicate with the client one more time. You can use this opportunity to deepen the relationship, and possibly find out about the next need.

Imagine if you didn’t follow up on a project. You either assumed everything went according to plan, or you were uncomfortable calling to check. And now imagine that something did go wrong. The client knows it because they’ve experienced it. You, however, have no idea. And because you aren’t calling to follow up, you won’t find out until you try to sell them something else. When they don’t take your call you’re in trouble!

So, while this may feel uncomfortable, it is, in my opinion, a critical step in the sales process. It is also a place where words matter. You can phrase the follow up call in a way that lets your client know exactly where you are coming from. You can let them know that you gave the account your all and are confident everything went well. AND that you know that sometimes things happen that are out of your control. Because they matter to you, you want to be sure they are completely happy with the end product.

Here are a couple of examples of phrasing that works:

1. Vendor: Our standard procedure is to produce the product, ship it, and give you a call within the week to confirm everything was to your liking.

2. Vendor on the follow up call: Hi it’s Diane. Just checking in as promised. The product is great, isn’t it?

Now this is a very confident tone and may be uncomfortable for some people. It really depends on how you say these words. You can laugh as you say it so there’s levity. You can ask it as a serious question. You can say it strongly.

3. Vendor on the follow up call: Hi, it’s Diane. Just checking in on the job we just finished for you. From our end it couldn’t have been better. Because your business is very important to us, we want to be sure everything went as you expected.

4. Vendor on the follow up call with a regular client: Hi, it’s Diane. Just making sure this job went as well as all the previous jobs and that you are thrilled! We never want to assume success, even when everything looks perfect.

Do you see what I’m doing? I’m letting them know I am confident that we did a great job AND asking if they feel the same way. I’m letting them know I care about them and the work we do for them. I’m not hiding hoping they won’t call. I’m hitting it head-on. Most likely they have a policy within their company to check with their clients, so following up won’t seem odd.

When you care enough to do the best job you can, you care enough to make sure the client is completely happy with the results. You are confident in your work, so you are confident enough to ask the question. You’ll be respected for it. And the client will really know that you care about their business.

Messaging Magic #1

2011-06-10T08:14:00.000-05:00

Have you seen the Bimbo bread commercials? They popped up seemingly overnight and are so catchy that even my kids notice them. So what is it about the tv ad? There's a great jingle and the graphics stick to the point - the bread is good for you and your family.

My 14 year old son commented that he thinks the ad was written by the government to get us to eat more bread. Now that's powerful!

The entire ad honors the marketing message and speaks to it. There is no variation or deviation from the message. In an engaging and simple way you instantly know the brand and the value.

Here's a link to the Bimbo bread commercial. What do you think?

“WHAT MAKES A GENUINE BUSINESS PIONEER?” This Week on Accelerate Your Business Growth

2011-06-07T10:30:00.000-05:00

Join host Diane Helbig Monday, June 13th live on ACCELERATE YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH to discover “What are the characteristics of the most successful entrepreneurs? What differentiates them? Can anyone achieve success?”

This week’s special guest international entrepreneur and small business expert Jonathan Farrington draws back the curtain, and reveals the secrets of the world’s most famous business people, and shares his own secret formula.

ACCELERATE YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH is an interactive, live internet talk-radio show covering everything small business – from sales to leadership, time management to pricing, from business writing to life/work balance. Host DIANE HELBIG interviews experts in several small business areas then opens the discussion to callers.

ACCELERATE YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH broadcasts live at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbig on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 1:00 pm. Eastern time. A downloadable podcast is also available immediately following the show. To call in and ask the expert pertinent questions about the topic of the day, dial LIVE at 1-347-838-9838.

This week’s show is sponsored by WIN Cleveland and Vision 21.

ABOUT Host DIANE HELBIG

Diane Helbig is a recognized business and leadership development coach based in the Cleveland, Ohio area. She is the author of Lemonade Stand Selling: Accelerate Your Small Business Growth (Sales Gravy, 2010), guest speaker at business events and workshop facilitator. As Founder and President of Seize This Day Coaching, Diane helps businesses and organizations operate more constructively and profitably.

ABOUT JONATHAN FARRINGTON

Jonathan Farrington is a globally recognized business coach, mentor, author, and consultant, who has guided companies and individuals around the world towards optimum performance levels. He is Chairman of The JF Corporation and CEO of Top Sales Associates, based in London & Paris. He is also the creator and CEO of Top Sales World – the first online “Sales Hypermarket”, Chairman of the Global Sales Council, and the man behind the Annual Top Sales Awards.

For additional information or sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.seizethisdaycoaching.com.

# # #

CONTACT:
Jennifer Cooper PR
231.633.1456

The Other Side of Sales

2011-06-06T08:36:00.000-05:00

Last week I had the pleasure of attending a COSE Home Business Network Roundtable where Maia Beatty of Maia Beatty & Associates, Inc. was the presenter. Her topic was ‘The Other Side of Sales: Creating Great Customer Relationships.

I learned an awful lot that morning. A couple of things she talked about really struck me. They weren’t necessary new to me but the way she shared them helped me really understand them better. I’d like to share them here.

The first thing that struck me was the idea that there is more than one way to be in a conversation with your clients. I think we start to believe that we should be all business. And that we sometimes get so focused on what we offer, or want to sell, that we forget to really talk with our clients. And to really listen.

This brings me to the following statement ‘When you don’t talk first you have the power because you get to hear what the other person needs.’

WOW!

Now, that’s a powerful statement. I never thought about it in terms of power but it is true. When you are with a prospect or client, listening is the best activity to perform. We are told that and many of us know that. I’m just not sure we think about the power of not talking first! In my opinion, this way of thinking provides the clearest insight into why listening matters. I think it shoots right to the point of the matter and keeps it simple.

Maia talks about 3 gears. First gear is when you are thinking about yourself, your beliefs, your way of viewing the world. Second gear is when you can see things from the other person’s perspective; having empathy. Third gear is when you are completely objective and unemotional; give me the facts.

According to Maia, (and I agree with her) first gear will kill your sales. You need to get into second gear to sell effectively. Think about it. You have to be able to see things from the prospect or client’s perspective. You have to be able to understand what they need. You can’t do that in first gear because you when you are in first gear you think you are right and anyone who sees things differently is wrong. That doesn’t work in sales.

Some really great lessons for us and ideas to consider when we are dealing with our clients and prospects.

Messaging Misstep #3

2011-06-01T15:55:00.000-05:00

This one is not about a commercial or print ad. It is, however, about messaging so read on.

A strange thing happened today that I'd like to share and would love feedback on. I was meeting someone at Starbucks. I got there first, walked in, and immediately noticed something strange - few tables but lots of chairs. There were at most 3 tables in the whole place. However, there were chairs where tables used to be.

So, I got my coffee and went outside to wait, thinking we should have gone to Panera. When we connected we went back inside. Now there were 2 more tables!! What in the world was going on?

My colleague asked and was told the following: 'our new table came in today and we're putting them together in the back. As soon as we get another one built we'll bring it out.' Really? Apparently their expectation was that we'd just sit in chairs without a table to put our coffee and papers on. Odd!

The oddest part was that they didn't see any problem with this situation. It was inconvenient to their clients, yet that was lost on them.

This is all about messaging - what message were they sending to us and everyone else in the place? They didn't care about their clients. It wasn't their problem that we didn't have a place to sit. After all, they had tables to put together. Frankly, I was astounded. I kept thinking of all the ways they could have handled that differently.

1. They could have put the tables together and then swapped out the old for the new all at once.
2. They could have done a one for one swap - though that might be difficult with clients at the tables.
3. Oh wait! They could have swapped out the tables after they closed for the day or before they opened the next day!

Yes of course! When your focus is on your clients and ensuring they have an exceptional experience, you don't create a situation where they are inconvenienced. Not when you are in control of the situation.

The flip side is what happened. They were more focused on getting the tables switched over than on their clients. And it was noticed. I will most likely not be returning there. I am fully aware of how they feel about their clientele and my money is better spent someplace else.

Messaging comes in many shapes and sizes. And whether we realize it or not we are communicating our brand, beliefs, and values in many ways. We owe it to ourselves to do a gut check periodically and ask ourselves if we are keeping our clients in mind when we make decisions.

What do you think? Have you experienced a situation similar to this? Something that left you scratching your head? Please share.

Software for Retailers

2011-05-27T16:51:00.000-05:00

One of the trickiest areas for small business owners is that of purchasing software. There are so many to choose from. And the opportunity to compare, plan for growth, determine roi can seem daunting.

Well, for you retailers out there, here's a post that does all the work for you when it comes to point of sale systems. It's a post written by Michael Koploy and is pretty comprehensive.

You can read the post here - POS Systems

The Opportunity To Succeed

2011-05-24T11:56:00.000-05:00

Last Friday I had the opportunity to speak to the scholarship recipients at the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce scholarship breakfast. The point of the speech was this - opportunities are all around us, if we choose to see them.

I've decided to share the content here:

The Opportunity To Succeed
It is my extreme pleasure to be here with you today. Sam, Kevin, Clay, and Louis, you should be very proud of your accomplishments. As you move on to the next chapter in your growth, remember that there are opportunities all around you.

Sometimes those opportunities are cloaked as challenges and can be hard to see. And yet, they are indeed, opportunities, chances to take stock of who you are, where you are, and where it is you would like to go.

You may not always know where it is you want to go, but remember, you are always in control of figuring that out and making that decision. Sometimes the best thing to do is simply be aware; aware of the signs around you. Opportunities come in many shapes and sizes. By simply being open to opportunities, you create a platform for them to appear.

Often times throughout our lives we are presented with what other people think we should be doing; who other people think we should be. And while they are well-meaning and absolutely have our best interests in mind, they aren’t necessarily right.

We live our best life when we live it our way. When we follow the path that is right for us. And at the end of the day, we are the only person who can know that for ourselves.

When I went to college I had a belief that I wanted to be a particular thing, a special education teacher, and so I headed off with that idea in mind. As I experienced my college years, I realized that teaching was not for me. I explored different avenues and ended up in a very different place. I ended up with a Bachelor of Science degree in social science. After college I found a job as a supervisor. Over the years I worked for people, ran companies, and sold products.

It was the leadership position as director of operations that brought me to Cleveland. And it was here that I met my husband, and now raise my family. Imagine how different things might be if I had chosen a different path.

From there I went into sales. Once again, an opportunity presented itself that made sense at the time. A year earlier it would not have been a choice I would have made.

Remember I said that sometimes opportunities are cloaked as challenges? Working full time as a sales person while raising two young children was a challenge. Add to that a life changing occurrence and I found myself at a crossroad. So, when I was 45 years old – yep, that’s right, 45 – I made a complete shift. I decided for a number of reasons that it was time for me to go down a different road; to start my own company. I was leaving the security of a full-time job with salary and commission. I was walking away from years of building a clientele and reputation in the industry. And yet, I knew that it was time. I had information coming to me from different directions that all pointed to the same thing. By being open to the possibilities, and paying attention to the signs, I found my next chapter.

And when my husband was a little nervous about the shift, I said two things to him that I’d like to share with you today.

The first was – we have to assume I’m going to be successful.

I offer to you that in anything you aspire to do, assume you’re going to be successful at the outset. My father used to tell me when I was growing up that I could be anyone I wanted to be; do anything I wanted to do, as long as I was willing to do the work. He didn’t say, except that you’re a girl, or only if you do this or that as well. So, I always assumed I’d be successful as long as I was willing to do the work to be successful.

The second thing I said to my husband was that this wasn’t the last decision I ever had to make.

It never really is the last decision. If you head down a road and discover that it really isn’t where you want to go, you have the opportunity to make a change.

The key is being truthful with yourself, paying attention to where you are and how you are feeling, and asking yourself – is this right? If it isn’t, make a different decision. YOU have the power to make the decisions that are right for you, at any time in your life, at any age, in any situation.

Don’t fear change, failure or success. They are all valuable if appreciated for what they are.
Change happens constantly. Respect it, acknowledge when you’ve changed and therefore may need to shift. Failure isn’t negative if you learn something from an experience that doesn’t quite work out. Failure is simply discovering what doesn’t work. It helps you gain clarity around what does work.

And success is merely being where you are meant to be at that moment, doing what you are meant to do at that moment, contributing, learning, sharing and giving. Leaving the world a better place than how you found it.

In the months and years ahead you will be confronted with many opportunities. Some of them will be hard to see and may show up as challenges. My wish for you is that you see them, embrace them, and don’t fear them. They truly are opportunities to succeed.

Copyright© 2011 Seize This Day Coaching

Enjoy Your Business Writing and Deal Well With Difficult People on Accelerate Your Business Growth Radio Show on Monday May 23rd at 1:00 PM EST

2011-05-19T12:59:00.001-05:00

Accelerate Your Business Growth is an interactive, live internet talk-radio show covering everything small business – from sales to leadership, time management to pricing, from business writing to life/work balance, host DIANE HELBIG interviews experts in several small business areas then opens the discussion to callers. Nationally recognized experts offer tips on their topics to help listeners grow their business.

Listen live on every other MONDAY at 1:00 EST or download the show as a podcast for later listenting. To call in and ask the expert pertinent questions about the topic of the day, listeners can call in LIVE at 1-347-838-9838.

Your host, DIANE HELBIG is an internationally recognized business and leadership development coach, author, speaker, and workshop facilitator. As a certified, professional coach and president of Seize This Day Coaching, Diane helps businesses and organizations operate more constructively and profitably.

You can find ACCELERATE YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbig on the 2nd and 4^th Mondays of the month at 1:00 pm. Eastern time. A podcast will be available immediately following the show for download or listening at the host page.

Author of Lemonade Stand Selling, Diane offers a straightforward, common sense and clear guide to the business sales process. She is a contributing expert on a variety of business publications and websites including Small Business Trends, American Express Open Forum, Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, COSE Mindspring, and Top Sales World.

Join the conversation on MONDAY, May 23^rd when Diane hosts Rena Seltzer and Kathleen Bartle to tackle two topics: Business Writing & How to Deal with Difficult People. Seltzer is a personal and professional coach who has coached scores of professors to reach their writing and publishing goals and a skilled facilitator. Bartle is a strategic consultant providing individualize solutions to workplace conflict for corporate executives, government, academia, and non-profits in the U.S. and worldwide. Her work helps clients reduce the billions of dollars workplace conflict costs.

Contact:

Diane Helbig

216-534-2030

http://www.seizethisdaycoaching.com/

http://www.seizethisdaycoaching.blogspot.com/

This Is How We Heal The World

2011-05-18T14:36:00.000-05:00

Do a good turn for the sake of doing good.

I have a story to share that I hope will fill you up.

A couple of weeks ago I went to a Panera to meet a client. I was standing in line when a woman came up behind me, lightly touched my shoulder, and quietly told me that I had a strap hanging out of my shirt. I was so grateful to her. If she hadn't said something I would have gone all day looking like an idiot! She said that she would hope someone would do the same for her. Well, I'm sure we can all relate! Most times we don't think to go out of our way to help someone we don't know.

Yet, there she was, reaching out. I saw that she was sitting with her young son. As a way to say thank you, I bought them a bag of cookies and took it to their table. She was surprised and didn't want to accept them. I, however, insisted. Good deeds should be rewarded. And I wanted her son to see that his mother had done a good thing, helped another person, and was rewarded for it beyond the good feeling.

Fast forward to yesterday. I went to the Small Business Symposium at Lakeland Community College to sell books at an exhibit table. As I walked back over to the table, there she was! She introduced herself, bought a book, and told me her story from that day.

You see, when she got there with her son and got in line, the man in front of her let her cut in line so she wouldn't be late. His kindness touched her so she bought his coffee. Get it? A good deed rewarded.

She paid it forward by helping me. And I rewarded her. And on it goes. This really is how we heal the world.

From a business standpoint (because you know I like my writing to relate to business whenever possible), this is a story about giving to others without an expected outcome. When you are giving in your business dealings and relationships, you are rewarded. And this is how you do great things for your business.

No matter how you slice it, this is the way to be, in business, and in life. I hope you enjoy helping others for it's own sake, and realizing the rewards the universe presents to you. This experience has been richly rewarding for me!

Messaging Misstep #2

2011-05-16T14:34:00.001-05:00

Have you seen this Virgin Mobile commercial about 'Sparah'? For the life of me I can't figure out what the commercial theme has to do with a cell phone. In the commercial we see a business woman welcoming two young 'celeb couple' people while holding her phone in her hand. She walks around with them talking about what they will be doing.

However, she never uses the phone to actually do anything. She merely holds it in her hand. So what does the ad have to do with the phone? it's capabilities? it's value?

If you see something I don't in this ad, please comment and fill me in. I am truly missing something.

Because I can't connect the dots I'm left to wonder about the actual value of the phone. Is it really something I would want to buy? Something I'd find useful? I have no way of knowing because they say nothing about the phone! There is no real marketing message anywhere in the ad. Time and money wasted in my opinion.

To top it off the ad is stupid. There's no real point to it. So, the information I'm left with is, the company has no message. Hmmm . . . not really a message you'd want to convey, is it?

What say you?

2011 Sales & Marketing Success Conference

2011-05-05T08:47:00.000-05:00

Kickstart your sales while helping the Japanese Relief Fund. Take a look at all of the great presentations being offered at the 2011 Sales & Marketing Success Conference during the week of May 9th.

For just $5.00 per presentation you can choose which presentations you'd like to take advantage of during this full week of sales success wisdom from the world's leading sales & marketing experts. And that $5.00 will go to help with the Japanese Relief Fund. Starting on May 9th, each day is packed full of presentations covering every aspect of sales.

The high impact, 30 minute presentations will be conducted by such pros as Jill Konrath, Jonathan Farrington, Steven Rosen, Kevin Eikenberry, and more!

Is there a part of the sales process that you struggle with? No worries! It's covered here. Looking to reinvigorate your sales success? This is the place.

Don't miss this dynamic, content rich event the week of May 9th through May 13th. Register today.

Messaging Magic #1

2011-05-04T11:41:00.000-05:00

Here’s an ad I think is brilliant. It’s the Cox Communications commercial about their tech support.

It shows an older gentleman on the phone with what sounds like tech support. He’s making the usual complaints – can’t you come over, why aren’t you helping me, etc. The next voice you see and hear is that of his grandson saying, ‘sorry grandpa, mom says I have to get off the phone now.’

What a riot. Doesn’t it drive home the frustration many people have with technology? And don’t they turn to their grandchildren or children to solve their IT problems? So it’s relatable, AND offers a solution that is even better than a child. Adults with expertise and knowledge who are ready to help.

Love it! This is a great example of sticking to a message, wrapping an ad around that message, and pulling people into the essage.

What do you think? Like it? Hate it? Have a commercial you like or hate? Share it.

The next one I'll be sharing is actually a question. I'm curious whether the part of the ad is good or misleading.

Messaging Misstep #1

2011-04-27T08:56:00.000-05:00

DIRECTV® has a commercial on TV with a russian guy who likes to talk about how he wants only the best. In the commercial he is hooked up to electrodes that are connected to a man working out. The inference is that he is becoming fit by being connected to someone else going through the pain of a work out.

The misstep is at the very end of the commercial. The last thing the russian says is, "No gain, no pain." Huh? You mean there's pain in getting DIRECTV®? You mean I have to go through pain to acquire the 'gain' of DIRECTV®?

In an attempt to keep with the theme of the commercial, the creators mauled their message. The underlying message should be that DIRECTV® is the best. However, when the commercial ends with a statement about pain, the message has shifted to a bad place.

The words you use are really important. You should take care to be sure you are always speaking to your value. Be careful that you don't confuse the message trying to deliver a clever commercial. When it backfires, it backfires big.

What examples can you cite of messaging magic or missteps?

10 Most Common Money Mistakes on Accelerate Your Business Growth Radio Show on Monday April 25th at 1:00 PM EDT

2011-04-21T14:45:00.000-05:00

Angie Hollerich of Brass Ring Productions, LTD, will be a guest on the show this week. Angie will be talking with us about money mistakes that small business owners make.

Angie Hollerich CEP, CCA is a professional educator, and a published author. Angie is the first person to recognize and document the parallels between weight management and wealth accumulation. She is a Certified Educational Planner, Licensed with Herrmann International, Certified Women’s. Business Enterprise (WBE) awarded the 2011 WBENC Star Award, a member of the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCEP), the National Speakers Association, 2003/2004 President of the Ohio Chapter of the National Speakers Association, National Association of Women Business Owners and Business and Professional Women and has been featured on ABC, NBC, CNBC and MSNBC.

Listeners can log into the call online here http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbig (there is no cost) to participate, or they can call in at 1-347-838-9838. Those interested in listening from their computers can do so from the host page listed above.

A podcast will be available immediately following the show for download or listening at the host page. Listeners are encouraged to follow the host, Diane Helbig, to be informed of future shows.

About Accelerate Your Business Growth and Diane Helbig

Diane is an internationally recognized business and leadership development coach, author, speaker, and workshop facilitator. As a certified, professional coach and president of Seize This Day Coaching, Diane helps businesses and organizations operate more constructively and profitably. She evaluates, encourages, and guides her clients.

In her book, Lemonade Stand Selling, Diane offers a straightforward, common sense and clear guide to the sales process. Through her internet radio show, Accelerate Your Business Growth, Diane brings valuable, actionable information to her listeners. In a conversational format, each show features guest speakers who share their wisdom and take questions from the audience.

Diane is a contributing expert on a variety of business websites including Small Business Trends, Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, COSE Mindspring, and Top Sales World.

Accelerate Your Business Growth is an interactive, live internet talk-radio show that addresses the various aspects of business. Helbig started the show to be able to reach a broader audience. Her goal is to help small business owners everywhere do better things with their businesses. Helbig explores everything small business on her show – from sales to leadership, from time management to pricing, from business writing to life/work balance. Nothing is off limits and Helbig has scheduled world class guests to bring quality programming to her listeners. Some shows are roundtables where there is no guest. The host, Diane Helbig, discusses a particular business topic with the audience directly. Listeners are encouraged to call in at 1-347-838-9838 or to log in at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbig to listen and participate. The show is live on the 2^nd and 4^th Mondays of each month. The show is hosted on Diva Toolbox Radio.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Information on sponsorship can be obtained at the Seize This Day Coaching website.

About Diva Toolbox Radio

Diva Toolbox Radio is an affordable, web-based platform which allows any user with a phone and a computer to host a live, interactive internet broadcast. Hosts log into the show via a streamlined software utility and call into the show via phone. Shows stream live directly from the host’s Diva Toolbox Radio Host page. Once archived, the shows are posted to itunes for future download. Anyone interested in hosting a show or sponsoring the Diva Toolbox Radio should contact Janet Powers at janet@divatoolbox.com.

Contact:

Diane Helbig

216-534-2030

http://www.seizethisdaycoaching.com

http://www.seizethisdaycoaching.blogspot.com/

Messaging Magic and Missteps

2011-04-18T09:17:00.001-05:00

Last November I was fortunate to have the opportunity to hear Steve Cone of AARP speak about brand promises for the Lakewood and Rocky River Chambers of Commerce. He was engaging and interesting. Ever since that meeting I find myself critiquing TV commercials (and sometimes radio commercials).

Effective messaging is one of the hardest things to achieve; especially when you have time and room. What I mean is this - the more time you have to fill in a commercial, or the more space you have to fill in an article, post, or ad, the harder it is to remain clear and succinct. You can, actually, find yourself losing your message.

Through this series of blog posts I'm going to share what I think about some of the ads I experience. I welcome you to join in the fun. Got a favorite magical ad or maybe one that misses the mark? Share it here. We could all learn from what others do. Hopefully we'll be better at our own messaging from the experience.

Let's start with Magic!

Cox Communications has what I think is a great ad out right now. It shows an elderly gentlemen on the phone with what appears to be customer service at a technology company. He's obviously frustrated. We find out that he is instead speaking with his grandson. Hilarious! We can all relate to the idea that kids are better at understanding technology than the more senior population. A representative from Cox then comes on to talk about their technical service program. The ad has good humor and speaks to something we can relate to. At the end they provide us with a solution to the frustration we may be feeling with our current vendor.

This one, in my opinion, is a hit. What do you think? Have you seen it? Do you agree? Is there an ad you particularly like or dislike? Feel free to share!

Why Bother?

2011-04-14T10:59:00.000-05:00

I know a lot of solopreneurs who think about using public speaking as a marketing tool. I like this strategy because it accomplishes a lot of the relationship building & exposure they need to grow their businesses.

These same people sometimes struggle with determining where they should speak. Some environemtns don’t seem to make sense. For example, someone who sells B2B (business to business) might think it not worth their time to speak at a Kiwanis or Rotary meeting; or even a church group or PTA. I can certainly see why they’d think this. They don’t think their target audience is in the room, or paying attention.

However, I’m not sure they’re right. Last year I spoke at a Rotary meeting. I really didn’t think it would be a way to build my client base. But, a friend of mine asked me to speak, and I often think these kinds of things are leaps of faith. So, I got up early in the morning and headed over to the meeting. I gave my speech and met some really great people. What’s more, I added some people to my newsletter list. I was more than happy with the outcome.

The other night I conducted a Social Media Hands-on Workshop. Lo and behold, one of the attendees was someone who’d heard me speak that morning last year. He’d been following me ever since and when he saw the workshop on my newsletter, he signed up. This proved to me that the exposure and connections you receive when you do presentations can be invaluable to your business.

Now, do I believe that you should target where you speak and try to gain opportunities at events that are germane to your business? Of course I do! My only point with the story above is to suggest that you not discount other opportunities. You never know where your next piece of business might come from.

When you are providing value through your presentation, people will be drawn to you, and your business will grow.

How Is Your Business Perceived And Are You Killing It? on Accelerate Your Business Growth Radio Show on Monday March 28th at 1:00 PM EDT

2011-03-23T08:37:00.000-05:00

Lauren Pibworth and Scott Gregory will be guests on the show this week. Lauren will be sharing some thoughts on the importance of perception management and Scott will talk about making you’re your financial system is in order for the growth of the business.

Marketing Strategist, Author, Speaker and Online Business Manager, Lauren Pibworth has combined eight years of successful small business management in the Wine and Retail industries with more than 10 years in the Advertising and Financial industries and brought that experience into Pibworth Professional Solutions. Located in Barrie Ontario, Lauren leads a virtual team of experts including graphic designers, web specialists, writers, videographers and project managers that guide Speakers, Trainers and Coaches through the art of perception management, and helps clients manage and market their business effectively to create the business they have always desired.

Scott has been helping CPA firms, accountants and small businesses solve the mysteries of QuickBooks accounting software for over twelve years. Widely known for his practical and easy-to-understand approach to teaching QuickBooks and financial management, Scott brings over twenty-five years of field experience to his clients in such areas as: manufacturing, service-based and wholesale/distribution. Scott publishes a leading blog on QuickBooks accounting software that provides tips and insight to thousands of QuickBooks users each month. In addition, Scott is a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, Certified QuickBooks Enterprise Advisor, Intuit Solutions Provider, and CPA.

Listeners can log into the call online here http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbig (there is no cost) to participate, or they can call in at 1-347-838-9838. Those interested in listening from their computers can do so from the host page listed above.

A podcast will be available immediately following the show for download or listening at the host page. Listeners are encouraged to follow the host, Diane Helbig, to be informed of future shows.

About Accelerate Your Business Growth and Diane Helbig
Diane is an internationally recognized business and leadership development coach, author, speaker, and workshop facilitator. As a certified, professional coach and president of Seize This Day Coaching, Diane helps businesses and organizations operate more constructively and profitably. She evaluates, encourages, and guides her clients.

In her book, Lemonade Stand Selling, Diane offers a straightforward, common sense and clear guide to the sales process. Through her internet radio show, Accelerate Your Business Growth, Diane brings valuable, actionable information to her listeners. In a conversational format, each show features guest speakers who share their wisdom and take questions from the audience.

Diane is a contributing expert on a variety of business websites including Small Business Trends, Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, COSE Mindspring, and Top Sales World.

Accelerate Your Business Growth is an interactive, live internet talk-radio show that addresses the various aspects of business. Helbig started the show to be able to reach a broader audience. Her goal is to help small business owners everywhere do better things with their businesses. Helbig explores everything small business on her show – from sales to leadership, from time management to pricing, from business writing to life/work balance. Nothing is off limits and Helbig has scheduled world class guests to bring quality programming to her listeners. Some shows are roundtables where there is no guest. The host, Diane Helbig, discusses a particular business topic with the audience directly. Listeners are encouraged to call in at 1-347-838-9838 or to log in at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbig to listen and participate. The show is live on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. The show is hosted on Diva Toolbox Radio.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Information on sponsorship can be obtained at the Seize This Day Coaching website.

About Diva Toolbox Radio

Diva Toolbox Radio is an affordable, web-based platform which allows any user with a phone and a computer to host a live, interactive internet broadcast. Hosts log into the show via a streamlined software utility and call into the show via phone. Shows stream live directly from the host’s Diva Toolbox Radio Host page. Once archived, the shows are posted to itunes for future download. Anyone interested in hosting a show or sponsoring the Diva Toolbox Radio should contact Janet Powers at janet@divatoolbox.com.

Contact:
Diane Helbig
216-534-2030
http://www.seizethisdaycoaching.com/

http://www.seizethisdaycoaching.blogspot.com/

A Great Sales Magazine

2011-03-21T14:05:00.000-05:00

I love to share information that is valuable to small business owners and sales people. Today is no exception. I've had the pleasure of finding out about Sold Lab and their free magazine filled with great articles about sales and business.

Visit Sold Lab and sign up for the magazine. While you're at it, visit their Facebook page and 'like' it! The information they share will help you grow your business - and isn't that what we all want? Of course!

Green+Entrepreneur+Community

2011-03-17T10:15:00.000-05:00

The interior design students at Virginia Marti College of Art & Design do remarkable work. I had the pleasure of visiting the school yesterday and was blown away. Watch the video below about the Greenhouse Tavern right here in Cleveland, Ohio.

You will see the blend of green products, community art, and exquisite design come together for a dining experience like no other. THIS is how it's done! THIS is how entrepreneurs are rebuilding the economy.

VMCAD Interior Design Grad - SinJin Satayathum from Virginia Marti College of Art an on Vimeo.

Don't Sweat The Social Scene

2011-03-15T09:21:00.001-05:00

I was just on the Entrepreneur's Insight radio show on WELW, talking with Kip Marlow about social media. So many people know they should be participating but can't figure out where to begin - or how to begin.

Well, worry no more! Join me on April 12th from 6-8pm EDT for my social media hands-on lab. We'll cruise around the cyberworld and take a look at the places you should think about. We'll talk about time management tools as well.

We're going to try something new and make it a live AND virtual event. That's right. If you can't be with me in person, you can be with me online. Visit the Social Media Lab page to sign up.

This Is How It Works

2011-03-07T09:09:00.001-05:00

Too often people tell me they don't have time for networking. Or they'll join a referral group only to leave before a year is up, believing they aren't getting anything out of it. Well, here is a great example of how it works.

Back in 2008 I introduced a business owner I know to another business owner. It was a referral that made a lot of sense to me. Wait, let me back up.

In the summer of 2008 I attended a COSE networking event at an Indian's game. There I met Stu. Stu owns a videography company. We had a great time getting to know each other and each other's businesses. The following week I attended the meeting of the referral group I was a member of. One of the group members is a woman, Barb, who owns a CD and DVD replication company.

Videography - CDs and DVDs - well it made a lot of sense for me to provide Barb with Stu's information. So I did. They met and started a business relationship. That was back in 2008.

Fastforward to today - early 2011. Barb called to tell me that she received an order from Stu. THREE YEARS LATER!

That's how it works! Sometimes the relationship takes time to develop. And timing really is everything. There has to be a need. Barb and Stu did the right thing. They maintained the relationship over time so that when there was a need, they already trusted each other.

So, if you're thinking that networking is quick, or that you should be going to an event and making a sale, think again. Relationships take time. Best to get started and keep it up, so that when the time is right, you'll be there.

Marketing Message Tip

2011-02-24T14:52:00.000-05:00

It's a Collaboration

2011-02-17T09:14:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I was flying to Dallas for a conference and sat next to a woman from Boston. We got to talking about business and she shared with me that she works for a company that was just acquired by a larger firm. When I asked her how it was going it became clear that she wasn't thrilled.

Listening to her talk about the situation I realized that there are predictable, dangerous, and avoidable things companies do in these circumstances. Failure to communicate is one of the biggest. They keep information close to the vest instead of sharing plans, ideas, vision with all parties - especially the staff from the company that was acquired. This silence causes a lot of stress. Couple that with the firing of key personnel and the psychological impact is really felt by the people who stay.

Failure to take the best of both organizations and meld them is another often seen problem. It makes me wonder why company A buys company B. What is it about company B that is appealing? Is it the client base? Is it a unique product or service? What is it? And why doesn't company A realize that it's the people at company B who created that client base, product, service?

I truly do not understand the thought process behind not sharing information or pulling people together. Business is about collaboration and this is especially true in a merger or acquisition. If I had the opportunity to counsel these business leaders I would say the following:

Please bring everyone into the communication flow. If your goal is to build a bigger, better organization you need everyone onboard. You will have a smoother transition with honesty and vision sharing. The vast majority of people desire clarity over consensus. You can't worry that what you have to say will upset some people. Quite frankly, there are few situations where everyone is happy. However, you CAN go a long way to promoting collaboration and success by being honest and open with your plans. Some people may leave sooner than you are ready for them to. However, you will recover from that more quickly than from a lack of cohesiveness and cooperation.

Set yourself and your staff up for success by telling it like it is. They'll respect you for it because you will have shown that you respect them.

Do You LOVE Your Clients?

2011-02-12T20:48:00.001-05:00

On this Valentine's Day I'll be speaking with Barbara Weaver Smith on my radio show - Accelerate Your Business Growth - about key account management. It is so very important to nurture the relationships with your current clients. Yet it is the one thing that too many people fail to do.

We can get so hyper-focused on gaining that next sale that we can forget about the prospects we have in hand. We can go deeper with current clients and gain more business from those people who already know us and like us. Makes sense, doesn't it?

Barbara Weaver Smith is founder and president of The Whale Hunters, a strategic sales coaching company that helps small and mid-size businesses expand their businesses and grow by making bigger sales to bigger customers. Barbara is co-author of Whale Hunting: How to Land Big Sales and Transform Your Company (Wiley; 2008) and writes the blog and newsletter Whale Hunters Wisdom. Dr. Smith is an influential business leader and advisor and a respected keynote speaker at events throughout the country. A wide of her work and valuable information for small to mid size businesses can be found on her website http://www.thewhalehunters.com

Join me at 1pm EST on Monday, February 14th at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbig or call in to 347-838-9838.

Stop Wasting Money and Start Communicating Across Generations on Accelerate Your Business Growth Radio Show on Monday January 24th at 1:00 PM EST

2011-01-20T12:34:00.000-05:00

Cleveland, OH January 20, 2010 – Murray Smith and Sue Helke will be guests on the show this week. Murray will be talking about better ways to market and sell. Then Sue will share some thoughts on how the four generations can work together for business success.

From humble beginnings struggling against the odds as “learning disabled”, Murray Smith first cleaned sewers in Toronto and then became an internationally recognized entrepreneur, thought leader and author. His recently published New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling book, The Answer – helps entrepreneurs grow their business, achieve financial freedom and live an extraordinary life. Murray has started or turned around 13 businesses, including Indian Motorcycle, American Brands and Dave & Buster's Canada. Murray has been featured in numerous national and international media including Forbes, Entrepreneur, CBC, CNN, NBC and hundreds of other media. His passion is working with entrepreneurs and currently has two business (www.accessmainstreet.com & www. gettheanswer.com) dedicated helping people discover new and untapped revenues in their business and how to attract more clients. Murray has helped thousands of small business owners in more than 30 countries.

Sue Helke, President of Training@Work, LLC. is passionate about developing people for better business results. She has over 24 years of human resources experience, focusing on leadership, team and employee development, as well as helping large complex companies solve business problems and achieve optimal results. In partnering with 360 Solutions, a global leader in training and performance improvement programs, she is ready to help organizations of all sizes improve their people to improve their business results using proven processes and tools created for and used by some of the world’s most prestigious companies.

Listeners can log into the call online here http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbig (there is no cost) to participate, or they can call in at 1-347-838-9838. Those interested in listening from their computers can do so from the host page listed above.

A podcast will be available immediately following the show for download or listening at the host page. Listeners are encouraged to follow the host, Diane Helbig, to be informed of future shows.

About Accelerate Your Business Growth and Diane Helbig
Diane is an internationally recognized business and leadership development coach, author, speaker, and workshop facilitator. As a certified, professional coach and president of Seize This Day Coaching, Diane helps businesses and organizations operate more constructively and profitably. She evaluates, encourages, and guides her clients.

In her book, Lemonade Stand Selling, Diane offers a straightforward, common sense and clear guide to the sales process. Through her internet radio show, Accelerate Your Business Growth, Diane brings valuable, actionable information to her listeners. In a conversational format, each show features guest speakers who share their wisdom and take questions from the audience.

Diane is a contributing expert on a variety of business websites including Small Business Trends, Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, COSE Mindspring, and Top Sales World.

Accelerate Your Business Growth is an interactive, live internet talk-radio show that addresses the various aspects of business. Helbig started the show to be able to reach a broader audience. Her goal is to help small business owners everywhere do better things with their businesses. Helbig explores everything small business on her show – from sales to leadership, from time management to pricing, from business writing to life/work balance. Nothing is off limits and Helbig has scheduled world class guests to bring quality programming to her listeners. Some shows are roundtables where there is no guest. The host, Diane Helbig, discusses a particular business topic with the audience directly. Listeners are encouraged to call in at 1-347-838-9838 or to log in at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbig to listen and participate. The show is live on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. The show is hosted on Diva Toolbox Radio.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Information on sponsorship can be obtained at the Seize This Day Coaching website.

About Diva Toolbox Radio
Diva Toolbox Radio is an affordable, web-based platform which allows any user with a phone and a computer to host a live, interactive internet broadcast. Hosts log into the show via a streamlined software utility and call into the show via phone. Shows stream live directly from the host’s Diva Toolbox Radio Host page. Once archived, the shows are posted to itunes for future download. Anyone interested in hosting a show or sponsoring the Diva Toolbox Radio should contact Janet Powers at janet@divatoolbox.com.

Contact:
Diane Helbig
216-534-2030

http://www.seizethisdaycoaching.com
http://www.seizethisdaycoaching.blogspot.com/

Do You Have Charisma?

2011-01-06T11:45:00.000-05:00

Cleveland, OH January 6, 2010 – Do you have Charisma? Do you know what it’s all about? Join Diane Helbig and her guest Kurt Mortensen, author of The Laws of Charisma. We’ll be exploring this interesting topic.

Kurt W. Mortensen is one of the world’s leading authorities on persuasion, motivation and influence with 20 years of experience as a highly sought after consultant, trainer, seminar leader, and speaker. He excels at combining scientific research with real-world studies and timeless stories to inform, entertain, and inspire audiences. He has given presentations with Brian Tracy, Mark Victor Hansen, Tom Hopkins, and Les Brown. He is the author of Laws of Charisma, Maximum Influence and Persuasion IQ.

Listeners can log into the call online here http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbig (there is no cost) to participate, or they can call in at 1-347-838-9838. Those interested in listening from their computers can do so from the host page listed above.

A podcast will be available immediately following the show for download or listening at the host page. Listeners are encouraged to follow the host, Diane Helbig, to be informed of future shows.

About Accelerate Your Business Growth and Diane Helbig
Diane is an internationally recognized business and leadership development coach, author, speaker, and workshop facilitator. As a certified, professional coach and president of Seize This Day Coaching, Diane helps businesses and organizations operate more constructively and profitably. She evaluates, encourages, and guides her clients.

In her book, Lemonade Stand Selling, Diane offers a straightforward, common sense and clear guide to the sales process. Through her internet radio show, Accelerate Your Business Growth, Diane brings valuable, actionable information to her listeners. In a conversational format, each show features guest speakers who share their wisdom and take questions from the audience.

Diane is a contributing expert on a variety of business websites including Small Business Trends, Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, COSE Mindspring, and Top Sales World.

Accelerate Your Business Growth is an interactive, live internet talk-radio show that addresses the various aspects of business. Helbig started the show to be able to reach a broader audience. Her goal is to help small business owners everywhere do better things with their businesses. Helbig explores everything small business on her show – from sales to leadership, from time management to pricing, from business writing to life/work balance. Nothing is off limits and Helbig has scheduled world class guests to bring quality programming to her listeners. Some shows are roundtables where there is no guest. The host, Diane Helbig, discusses a particular business topic with the audience directly. Listeners are encouraged to call in at 1-347-838-9838 or to log in at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbig to listen and participate. The show is live on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. The show is hosted on Diva Toolbox Radio.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Information on sponsorship can be obtained at the Seize This Day Coaching website.

About Diva Toolbox Radio
Diva Toolbox Radio is an affordable, web-based platform which allows any user with a phone and a computer to host a live, interactive internet broadcast. Hosts log into the show via a streamlined software utility and call into the show via phone. Shows stream live directly from the host’s Diva Toolbox Radio Host page. Once archived, the shows are posted to itunes for future download. Anyone interested in hosting a show or sponsoring the Diva Toolbox Radio should contact Janet Powers at janet@divatoolbox.com.

Contact:
Diane Helbig
216-534-2030
http://www.seizethisdaycoaching.com/
http://www.seizethisdaycoaching.blogspot.com/

Group Coaching for Success

2011-01-03T13:02:00.015-05:00

Seize This Day Coaching presents

Clarity of Course®

2011 Group Coaching Programs

 Just starting out?

 Ready to move to the next level of your business?

Whatever stage you’re in, we have a group coaching program just for you.

 NO Struggle Startup Group Coaching

 NO Limits Next Level Group Coaching

Each program is designed to help you achieve great things. As a business development coach, I have the tools, training, and experience to help you overcome obstacles, get clear about your goals, and move forward on the path of your choosing. Together we will:

• Create a crystal clear vision for you to free your scattered mind, clobber overwhelm, and get back on track by honoring your goals so you can obtain the success you desire

• Uncover hidden challenges that may be sabotaging your success with a new awareness of your behavior

• Evaluate your decision making process and develop a sound strategy for growth

Details:

Beginning February 2011

Twice monthly 1.5 hour meetings

Choice of Virtual or Live

$79.00 per month

Capacity – min 4 and max 10 people per group

Ready to start the process of making positive changes in your business? Great! Sign up today by visiting www.seizethisdaycoaching.com/groupcoaching.html

Business Owners Toolkit Interview

2010-12-23T10:04:00.001-05:00

Recently I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Greg Corombos of the Business Owner's Toolkit. It's a tremendous online resource for business owners with everything from hr to sales to leadership.

Take a listen here - Clarity of Course

And be sure to subscribe to the site for future podcasts.

Social Media Marketing for 2011

2010-12-22T12:59:00.001-05:00

Start 2011 with a better understanding of social media marketing. Join me for this handson lab and lunch program designed to help you navigate the wild world of social media marketing.

Online Ticketing for Your Social Media Blueprint - A Hands-On Lab powered by Eventbrite

Roadmapping for 2011

2010-12-22T10:25:00.001-05:00

Join me on December 27th at 1pm EST for Accelerate Your Business Growth Radio Show. I'll be working with the audience members on not only goal setting but creating the action plans, steps, and monitoring system to help you realize those goals!

Roadmapping is all about taking time to envision where your business will be at the end of December 2011. Then, working backward we identify the action steps necessary to realize that vision. The next step is defining the 3 steps you can take right away to start working toward those goals. Finally we establish the monitoring system you'll use to make sure you stay on course.

You don't want to miss this hour of interactive exploration and focused planning. Visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbig and call in to 347-838-9838 on Monday Dec 27th at 1pm.

I look forward to an engaging, forward moving discussion! Prepare for 2011 now!

Lemonade Lesson #27 - Always On

2010-12-14T08:59:00.001-05:00

"As a small business owner or salesperson you are always on. You are always presenting, marketing, selling, and producing. Failure to acknowledge this will prevent you from being as successful as you could be. I dare say it can actually do harm to your business." excerpt from Lemonade Stand Selling

Here's why this is important. You need to know that everywhere you go you are a representation of your business. When you speak, write, network, etc people are learning about your company by your actions.

When you know what you want your company to be to others, your actions have to map with that goal. Otherwise, you will do damage to your business. So, don't air your dirty laundry or gossip about others. Don't complain about your difficult clients. Don't act in a manner that is contrary to your company's vision and message.

Keeping in mind that you are always on and being evaluated will help you make the right decisions and communicate in a consistent manner.

In Lemonade Lesson #28 we'll talk about being Always On in Marketing, Selling, and Producing

Best Biz Books of 2010

2010-12-13T12:07:00.000-05:00

Lemonade Stand Selling made the cut! Please consider voting here

Lemonade Lesson #26 - Keeping The Clients You Have

2010-12-09T09:21:00.001-05:00

"In this global economy where industries are more and more competitive and commoditized, customer service can be the only thing separating you from your competition." excerpt from Lemonade Stand Selling

Unfortunately, too many people are so focus on the next sale that they fail to pay any attention to their current clients. It's not that they take them for granted - though that might be the case in some instances. It's that they aren't thinking about it.

When we do a good job, meet the need, complete the task, we assume that our clients are happy. We assume that they'll stay with us and even do more business with us. That's not necessarily the case. If you aren't communicating with your client chances are your competition is. If they don't feel appreciated, they'll go someplace else.

Dan Kennedy conducted a study a while back and found out that the biggest reason customers leave their vendors is because they don't feel appreciated. 68% of those who leave. That's a huge number! It isn't price, quality, or service; it's appreciation. The way I read this, if you aren't communicating with your client after the sale you are telling them you don't really appreciate them. Sure, you appreciated the initial sale, but after that? Well, . . .

Customer service includes paying attention to your clients. Finding out what's going on with them; what they need; where they're going. When you get involved with your clients on this level you become their partner. They want to stay with you because they know you have their best interest in mind.

So, ask yourself how well you are communicating with your clients. How well do you know them? Then, go deeper, do better. You'll be glad you did.

In Lemonade Lesson #27 we'll visit the concept of Always On

Top Sales Awards

2010-12-03T08:35:00.000-05:00

On December 16th, the inaugural Top Sales Awards ceremony takes place online thanks to the hard work of Jonathan Farrington and his crew. There are some great categories and sales experts highlighted in this event. Visit Top Sales Awards to place your vote for your favorites.

And remember to check out the Top Sales Articles - I am in the running for Article of the Year with my article 'It's Only Natural' and would be honored to receive your vote.

Lemonade Lesson #25 - Objections

2010-11-30T13:10:00.000-05:00

Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday we skipped a week of lessons. We are now back on track.

"Objections don't have to be scary. When you work your process effectively and still get an objection, it is an indication that you either missed something, the prospect didn't tell you everything, or they didn't hear you clearly. Any one of these things can be dealt with easily." excerpt from Lemonade Stand Selling

I love a good objection! Why? Because it tells me where we fell off the track. And as I say in the book, it's simply an indication of a miscommunication when you work your process effectively. So, let's go with the assumption that you've worked your process effectively. If you get an objection there is a simple way to deal with it. Apologize to the prospect and suggest that maybe you missed or misunderstood something from your previous conversation. Gain permission to review what you believe you heard during that conversation and start going through your notes outloud. The prospect will tell you where you left the track.

If you get through it and you heard everything clearly then something on their end has changed. You can say - 'Well, I've been through everything we talked about and it seems I heard you correctly. The information I've presented to you meets the needs that we covered. So, somewhere there's a disconnect. Can you help me see where it is from your perspective?'
Here you are again confirming that not only did you hear them correctly but you responded correctly to their needs. You then are putting the ball in their court to tell you where the misunderstanding is. In all honesty, it is absolutely on their side and odds are that they have failed to provide you with a critical piece of information. Flush it out here.

This may be a huge red flag that they are not someone you want to do business with. If it's this difficult at the proposal stage, imagine what it will be like when you are working with them and trying to get paid!

Now I made an assumption a minute ago about you working your process effectively. If you aren't working it effectively you probably will not even get the opportunity to present a proposal. The objection you will get is having the door shut on you before that chance. If this is happening to you, take a good look at your process and identify where it is ineffective. Fix it and move on.

Our next Lemonade Lesson #26 will be Keeping the Clients You Have

Gratitude

2010-11-25T10:40:00.000-05:00

On this Thanksgiving day I wish you all peace, joy, and gratitude. Here's an article I wrote a couple of years ago - The Gratitude of Vultures.

Enjoy!

Building a Relationship with the Media AND Succeeding Like the Amish on Accelerate Your Business Growth Radio Show on Monday November 22nd at 1:00 PM EST

2010-11-17T09:30:00.000-05:00

Cleveland, OH November 16, 2010 – Kathy Dawson, a Cleveland Ohio relationship coach and TV show host will be a guest on Accelerate Your Business Growth, Monday November 22, 2010 to talk about building a relationship with the media. Dawson will be followed by Erik Wesner, author of Success Made Simple. Wesner will be sharing lessons learned about why it is that the Amish are such successful business people.

Listeners can log into the call online here http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbig (there is no cost) to participate, or they can call in at 1-347-838-9838. Those interested in listening from their computers can do so from the host page listed above.

A podcast will be available immediately following the show for download or listening at the host page. Listeners are encouraged to follow the host, Diane Helbig, to be informed of future shows.

About Accelerate Your Business Growth and Diane Helbig
Diane is an internationally recognized business and leadership development coach, author, speaker, and workshop facilitator. As a certified, professional coach and president of Seize This Day Coaching, Diane helps businesses and organizations operate more constructively and profitably. She evaluates, encourages, and guides her clients.

Whether she is working one-on-one with clients or speaking to a full house, Diane delivers on her messages of embracing the possibilities and maintaining Clarity of CourseTM.

Diane is also a facilitator/instructor for the Corporate College®, a division of Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio.

In her book, Lemonade Stand Selling, Diane offers a straightforward, common sense and clear guide to the sales process. She reminds her readers that selling is as easy as when you had that lemonade stand as a child.

Through her internet radio show, Accelerate Your Business Growth, Diane brings valuable, actionable information to her listeners. In a conversational format, each show features guest speakers who share their wisdom and take questions from the audience.

Diane is a contributing expert on a variety of business websites including Small Business Trends, Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, COSE Mindspring, and Top Sales World.

Accelerate Your Business Growth is an interactive, live internet talk-radio show that addresses the various aspects of business. Helbig started the show to be able to reach a broader audience. Her goal is to help small business owners everywhere do better things with their businesses. Helbig explores everything small business on her show – from sales to leadership, from time management to pricing, from business writing to life/work balance. Nothing is off limits and Helbig has scheduled world class guests to bring quality programming to her listeners. Some shows are roundtables where there is no guest. The host, Diane Helbig, discusses a particular business topic with the audience directly. Listeners are encouraged to call in at 1-347-838-9838 or to log in at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbig to listen and participate. The show is live on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. The show is hosted on Diva Toolbox Radio.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Information on sponsorship can be obtained at the Seize This Day Coaching website.

About Diva Toolbox Radio
Diva Toolbox Radio is an affordable, web-based platform which allows any user with a phone and a computer to host a live, interactive internet broadcast. Hosts log into the show via a streamlined software utility and call into the show via phone. Shows stream live directly from the host’s Diva Toolbox Radio Host page. Once archived, the shows are then streamed to www.live365.com. Anyone interested in hosting a show or sponsoring the Diva Toolbox Radio should contact Janet Powers at janet@divatoolbox.com.

Contact:
Diane Helbig
216-534-2030
http://www.seizethisdaycoaching.com/

http://www.seizethisdaycoaching.blogspot.com/

Lemonade Lesson #24 - Powerful Presentations

2010-11-16T11:23:00.000-05:00

"When you think about what you hope to accomplish - the sale - your presentation must be created in a way that works toward that goal." excerpt from Lemonade Stand Selling

There is a structure to presentations that are powerful. They are short and to the point. They speak to what the prospect told you during the discovery process. They should begin with a recap of the prospect's goals and needs as you heard them.

Then you can introduce your product or service and provide bullet points about the benefits - once again based upon the goals you heard. You always want to be responding to what the prospect said.

In this way you let them know that you heard them and that you have a solution to their specific situation. Throughout the presentation you can ask for confirmation so you know you are going in the right direction. In reality, the check in makes sure that you did, indeed, hear them correctly.

Remember that sales is all about the prospect's needs. It is not about the bells and whistles of your product or service. As a matter of fact, you may never have an opportunity to share those bells and whistles. That's okay! Only talk about what is relevant to the prospect. THAT is how you win the business.

In Lemonade Lesson #25 we'll talk about objections.

Lemonade Lesson #23 - Business Information You Need To Know

2010-11-09T13:54:00.000-05:00

"In addition to the information you gather regarding your prospect's needs, you also need information as the seller. You need to know who the decision maker is, what their budget is, what their timeframe/sense of urgency is in order to be sure you have a clear picture in its entirety." excerpt from Lemonade Stand Selling

Have you ever been in a meeting with a prospect and they won't give you any answers to these questions? Most salespeople experience this at least once in their career. The reason you need the answers to these questions is twofold.

1. You need to have a full understanding of the situation the prospect is in. You need to find out the process and viability of doing business with them. It's more than knowing the specific project. You need to know how the company or person operates.

2. If the prospect won't give you the information you need and ask for you have to ask yourself a question. That question is this - does this prospect really want to do business with me? Sometimes prospects meet with a handful of companies so they can say they did their homework. The whole time they intended to use a particular vendor. When you ask the prospect questions and they hedge or avoid answer them, this is a signal that there's a problem.

Better to find out early whether the prospect is a good one. Consider this one aspect of qualifying the prospect. The relationship is one of the most important parts of the process. If you can't start building a relationship during the discovery process, chances are you won't be able to do business with that particular prospect. Time to move on!.

In Lemonade Lesson #24 we'll explore powerful proposals.

3 Keys To Growing A Successful Business on MORE Magazine

2010-11-08T18:53:00.000-05:00

I am excited and honored to have an article on MORE Magazine's website today. You can find it here - http://www.more.com/2010/26143-3-keys-to-growing-a

Lemonade Lesson #22 - Don't Tell The Prospect EVERYTHING

2010-11-02T09:45:00.001-05:00

"Remember, it's not about you telling your prospect all the features of your product or service. What matters is that you show the benefit TO THEM that can help solve their problem; the problem you discovered when you asked questions." excerpt from Lemonade Stand Selling

For some reasons salespeople think they are supposed to tell a prospect everything about their product or service. It's as if they think that if they talk enough a lightbulb will go on in the prospect's head. Or maybe they think that if they forget to say something they'll miss an opportunity.

The problem with this is that the prospect doesn't care about everything. They care about getting a solution to their problem. When you start talking and don't stop what you are really saying is that you are more interested in selling your product/service than you are in helping your prospect. It's about you - not them.

Guess what - the prospect isn't supposed to care about you. They are supposed to care about themselves. And YOU are supposed to care about them. You'll get your needs met when you focus on helping your prospect get their needs met.

So when you sell, stay focused on your prospect's need.

In Lemonade Lesson #23 we'll talk about the business information you need to gain from your prospect.

Lemonade Lesson #21 - Questions That Get Answers

2010-10-26T13:10:00.000-05:00

“When you meet with a prospect, they may believe their issue is one thing. It is up to you to ask the right questions to make sure you – and the prospect – know what the real issue is. Then, and only then, can you determine if you have a solution.” excerpt from Lemonade Stand Selling

Why is this so important? Because the point of sales is to match a solution to a problem. It isn’t to persuade or convince. It isn’t to tell the prospect EVERYTHING about your product or service. It IS to determine what the problem really is and whether you have a solution for that particular problem.

You want to be sure you are addressing the real need that the prospect has. And the only way to guarantee that is to ask a lot of questions. Then, of couse, you have to listen to the answers.

Believe it or not, you may not have a solution for the prospect. The best thing you can do is discover it quickly and tell them so. Honesty really is the best policy. You will win them over with honesty. And while you may never do business with them, odds are they’ll refer you because you have integrity.

In our next Lemonade Lesson #22 we’ll talk about dealing with the particular problem the prospect has without telling them everything you do!

How To Attract and Retain Great Clients on Accelerate Your Business Growth Radio

2010-10-22T06:22:00.000-05:00

Cleveland, OH October 22, 2010 – Melanie Benson Strick ofSuccess Connections will be the guest on Accelerate Your Business Growth, Monday October 25, 2010. Melanie will talk about how to attract and retain great clients.

As CEO of Success Connections for almost 10 years, Melanie has discovered how to build a successful, thriving company with her secret weapon – LEVERAGE. Having learned first hand the difference between a struggling solo-practice and a thriving six+ figure business, Melanie works exclusively with entrepreneurs who want to skyrocket their profits so they can experience more time off.

Listeners can log into the call online here http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbig (there is no cost) to participate, or they can call in at 1-347-838-9838. Those interested in listening from their computers can do so from the host page listed above.

A podcast will be available immediately following the show for download or listening at the host page. Listeners are encouraged to follow the host, Diane Helbig, to be informed of future shows.

About Accelerate Your Business Growth and Diane Helbig
Diane is an internationally recognized business and leadership development coach, author, speaker, and workshop facilitator. As a certified, professional coach and president of Seize This Day Coaching, Diane helps businesses and organizations operate more constructively and profitably. She evaluates, encourages, and guides her clients.

Whether she is working one-on-one with clients or speaking to a full house, Diane delivers on her messages of embracing the possibilities and maintaining Clarity of CourseTM.

Diane is also a facilitator/instructor for the Corporate College®, a division of Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio.

In her book, Lemonade Stand Selling, Diane offers a straightforward, common sense and clear guide to the sales process. She reminds her readers that selling is as easy as when you had that lemonade stand as a child.

Through her internet radio show, Accelerate Your Business Growth, Diane brings valuable, actionable information to her listeners. In a conversational format, each show features guest speakers who share their wisdom and take questions from the audience.

Diane is a contributing expert on a variety of business websites including Small Business Trends, Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, COSE Mindspring, and Top Sales World.

Accelerate Your Business Growth is an interactive, live internet talk-radio show that addresses the various aspects of business. Helbig started the show to be able to reach a broader audience. Her goal is to help small business owners everywhere do better things with their businesses. Helbig explores everything small business on her show – from sales to leadership, from time management to pricing, from business writing to life/work balance. Nothing is off limits and Helbig has scheduled world class guests to bring quality programming to her listeners. Some shows are roundtables where there is no guest. The host, Diane Helbig, discusses a particular business topic with the audience directly. Listeners are encouraged to call in at 1-347-838-9838 or to log in at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbig to listen and participate. The show is live on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. The show is hosted on Diva Toolbox Radio.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Information on sponsorship can be obtained at the Seize This Day Coaching website.

About Diva Toolbox Radio
Diva Toolbox Radio is an affordable, web-based platform which allows any user with a phone and a computer to host a live, interactive internet broadcast. Hosts log into the show via a streamlined software utility and call into the show via phone. Shows stream live directly from the host’s Diva Toolbox Radio Host page. Once archived, the shows are then streamed to www.live365.com. Anyone interested in hosting a show or sponsoring the Diva Toolbox Radio should contact Janet Powers at janet@divatoolbox.com.

Contact:
Diane Helbig
216-534-2030
http://www.seizethisdaycoaching.com/
http://www.seizethisdaycoaching.blogspot.com/

Lemonade Lesson #20 - 30 Second Commercials

2010-10-19T16:10:00.000-05:00

Another video lesson here

Next Tuesday we'll start the process of selling when you are in front of the client.

All Things Small and Mid-Size Business Summit

2010-10-16T10:21:00.000-05:00

I am thrilled to be presenting at this dynamic, information-filled summit on October 28th. You can register here - http://www.focus.com/webcasts/interactive-summit/all-things-small-and-mid-size-business/ to attend.

It’s finally here: one place where small and medium-sized business owners and entrepreneurs can receive expert and peer advice on how to run a business successfully in today’s economy. Join us for this live event to hear advice from top independent experts on the most critical issues facing SMBs today. You’ll be able to:

Ask questions and speak with Focus Experts in a live group chat
Collaborate with peers and build your professional network
Visit sponsor vendor booths and download resources

Book Signing at the Small Business Conference

2010-10-14T15:42:00.000-05:00

Join me at the COSE Small Business Conference where there will be outstanding keynote speakers, informative workshops and roundtables, a great exhibit floor, AND I'll be selling and signing books at the Joseph-Beth Booksellers Table.

The books will be on sale both days and I'll be signing books on Thursday from 12-1. Hope to see you there!

Lemonade Lesson #19 - The Importance of Follow Up When Networking

2010-10-12T20:45:00.000-05:00

Want a copy of the book, Lemonade Stand Selling? Visit my facebook fan page to order and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Linda Trivisonno Endowment Fund for the Ireland Cancer Center at University Hospitals

Do You Have An Entrepreneurial Mindset?

2010-10-07T10:25:00.000-05:00

Cleveland, OH October 8, 2010 – Gary Schoeniger of the Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative will be the guest on Accelerate Your Business Growth, Monday October 11, 2010. Gary will talk about the tapping into your entrepreneurial IQ.

Mr. Schoeniger is the Founder and CEO of The Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative, (ELI) is an organization dedicated to providing interactive real-world entrepreneurship education programs for individuals and organizations worldwide. Their mission is to create inspired learning programs that deliver real-world impact.

Launched in 2007 after an initial pilot project, their first program was created exclusively for the Cisco Entrepreneurship Institute and is currently being distributed throughout Latin America, Eastern Europe and Asia. Mr. Schoeniger and his team have since conducted more than 300 hours of on-camera interviews with successful entrepreneurs throughout the US. Their recently released course - Mindset: Tapping Your Entrepreneurial IQ is now being offered through a scholarship program funded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation with more than 1000 students currently enrolled in 30 countries.

Mr. Schoeniger is also the creator of The Entrepreneurial Learning Series, an interactive distance-learning program he developed through a partnership with WVIZ/PBS in Cleveland, Ohio.

Listeners can log into the call online here http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbig (there is no cost) to participate, or they can call in at 1-347-838-9838. Those interested in listening from their computers can do so from the host page listed above.

A podcast will be available immediately following the show for download or listening at the host page. Listeners are encouraged to follow the host, Diane Helbig, to be informed of future shows.

About Accelerate Your Business Growth and Diane Helbig

Diane is an internationally recognized business and leadership development coach, author, speaker, and workshop facilitator. As a certified, professional coach and president of Seize This Day Coaching, Diane helps businesses and organizations operate more constructively and profitably. She evaluates, encourages, and guides her clients.

Whether she is working one-on-one with clients or speaking to a full house, Diane delivers on her messages of embracing the possibilities and maintaining Clarity of CourseTM.

Diane is also a facilitator/instructor for the Corporate College®, a division of Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio.

In her book, Lemonade Stand Selling, Diane offers a straightforward, common sense and clear guide to the sales process. She reminds her readers that selling is as easy as when you had that lemonade stand as a child.

Through her internet radio show, Accelerate Your Business Growth, Diane brings valuable, actionable information to her listeners. In a conversational format, each show features guest speakers who share their wisdom and take questions from the audience.

Diane is a contributing expert on a variety of business websites including Small Business Trends, Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, COSE Mindspring, and Top Sales World.

Accelerate Your Business Growth is an interactive, live internet talk-radio show that addresses the various aspects of business. Helbig started the show to be able to reach a broader audience. Her goal is to help small business owners everywhere do better things with their businesses. Helbig explores everything small business on her show – from sales to leadership, from time management to pricing, from business writing to life/work balance. Nothing is off limits and Helbig has scheduled world class guests to bring quality programming to her listeners. Some shows are roundtables where there is no guest. The host, Diane Helbig, discusses a particular business topic with the audience directly. Listeners are encouraged to call in at 1-347-838-9838 or to log in at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbig to listen and participate. The show is live on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. The show is hosted on Diva Toolbox Radio.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Information on sponsorship can be obtained at the Seize This Day Coaching website.

About Diva Toolbox Radio

Diva Toolbox Radio is an affordable, web-based platform which allows any user with a phone and a computer to host a live, interactive internet broadcast. Hosts log into the show via a streamlined software utility and call into the show via phone. Shows stream live directly from the host’s Diva Toolbox Radio Host page. Once archived, the shows are then streamed to www.live365.com. Anyone interested in hosting a show or sponsoring the Diva Toolbox Radio should contact Janet Powers at janet@divatoolbox.com.

Contact:
Diane Helbig
216-534-2030
http://www.seizethisdaycoaching.com/
http://www.seizethisdaycoaching.blogspot.com/

Lemonade Lesson #18 - Quality Referrals

2010-10-05T09:46:00.000-05:00

“It’s not about how many referrals you give; it’s about how qualified those referrals are. Please note – when you give crummy ‘referrals’ because you want to be seen as giving, everyone sees through it and your reputation suffers.” Excerpt from Lemonade Stand Selling

This is a subject that is near and dear to me because I see so many people struggle with it. There are some key points I’d like to address here.

1. It’s not about what you get but what you give. When you really work to connect two people you are helping to solve their problems and are seen as giving. People like to give to other givers. They seldom give to takers.

2. Don’t waste people’s time. Only give leads that are real. What do I mean by this? Don’t write something on a piece of paper and hand it to someone unless it has all of the information necessary for that person to follow up on it.

3. Make sure the people you are referring others to is open to receiving their call. One of the biggest mistakes people make is assuming their contacts are open to being contacted by other people. You don’t want to harm any of your relationships so watch it.

There are, in my estimation, 3 types of leads – cold, warm, hot.

Cold – you’ve heard/read a news story, seen a truck, building, or billboard and it made you think about someone in your group. You have an idea for them but no real connection. Make sure when you give them this information that you are clear about what you are giving them. Offering people information is valuable in and of itself.

Warm – you know someone at a company or organization that a person in your leads group is looking to penetrate. You provide the name, number, email and tell the group member they are free to reach out to your contact. This contact is most likely not the person they need to speak with but they are a door into the organization. BE SURE YOUR CONTACT WITHIN THE COMPANY IS AWARE THE GROUP MEMBER WILL BE CALLING THEM. Set everyone up for success – not failure. That includes you!

Hot – you have heard from someone you know that they are looking for a solution one of your group members can fill. You tell your contact that you know someone and either give your contact the group member’s information or let your contact know that you’ll share his/her information with your group member. Then call your group member to tell them and give them all of the information. Time is of the essence so don’t wait until your usual group meeting.

Another example of a hot lead is when you hear of a lead need in your group and you realize you know the exact kind of prospect for this person. Make the introduction. Fill out the lead form with all of the information necessary for the group member to reach out to the prospect including that YOU will make the connection. You want to grease the skids so to speak.

Remember this, when you are truly helping the people in your group and the people in your world you will be known as a connector and a giver. People love connectors and then will want to help you in return.

On the flip side, if you give garbage – a name only, a lead sheet that says ‘don’t use my name’, etc, you will be seen as someone who is only out for themselves and group members will stop giving you leads.

In Lemonade Lesson #19 we’ll talk about the importance of following up with the leads you get.

Writing Habits and Disciplines

2010-10-04T07:43:00.000-05:00

Last Monday I had the pleasure of having John Ettorre of Working with Words on my radio show. John is a prolific writer and writing coach. He works with companies and organizations of all sizes helping them deliver their messages.

John gave us a lot of valuable information including 12 habits and principles. They are:
1. Do a little bit of writing every day
2. Forget what your 7th grade teacher taught you (except the importance of starting with an outline)
3. Read out loud to hear the flow, pauses, message
4. Have a trusted reader
5. Proofread - print it and read it
6. Don't count on spell check
7. Write in the morning
8. Work within your biorhythms
9. Have a standard place wher eyou go every day to write
10. Read poetry to remind yourself of the value of brevity, as well as how to paint a word picture
11. Read a good dictionary

You can hear more nuggets of wisdom by visiting the show page here.

What are you doing about your writing? Let me know what tricks and tips you have for establishing a writing habit.

Lemonade Lesson #17 - The Value of Leads Groups

2010-09-28T19:32:00.001-05:00

"Ultimately, people join leads groups to increase their own business. The METHOD is helping others increase business. If everyone in the group focuses on two things, the group will be tremendously successful.

The first thing is building relationships with the other members. . . . The secon thing is giving quality referrals to the other members." excerpt from Lemonade Stand Selling

This is a pretty big topic so we'll visit it over a couple of blog posts. The first point to discuss is the relationship building aspect of leads groups. Think about it for a moment. You are in a group with other people who have their own products and services to offer. There should not be an expectation that you will do business with the people in the group. That's not why you are there. Quite frankly, that's too short-sighted.

If your goal is to sell your product or service to the people in your group, what are you going to do once you've capture all of those people? Where do you go from there? And what if they don't need what you have to sell?

The point of the group is to build relationships with the members so they are thinking about you OUTSIDE of the meetings. You want to get to know them and let them get to know you so you feel comfortable referring them to your closest contacts and clients. You need to know how they do business, what they believe, who their ideal client is, and so on. This knowledge helps you help them. And vice versa.

Next Tuesday we'll explore the quality referral aspect of leads groups in Lemonade Lesson #18.

A New Take On Networking with Regina Olbinsky

2010-09-27T10:04:00.000-05:00

On Monday, September 20th I had the opportunity to attend the WIN Cleveland meeting and hear Regina Olbinsky of The Career Group speak on the topic of networking. She named her presentation ‘A New Take On Networking’ which is right on, yet sad. The things she had to say were fantastic. I find it sad that it is a ‘new take’ on the subject! Sort of a sad but true kind of thing.

Here are some of the highlights from her talk. See if you can relate to any (or all) of them.

1. Articulate a memorable message – know yourself and be able to convey how you bring value to others

2. Regina’s definition of networking is this – building relationships and building knowledge. When you only network when you need something you are only in it for yourself – people don’t like this.

3. Know what your brand is

4. Understand the ‘pay it forward’ concept

5. It takes time to build relationships

6. Ask memorable questions that go to the heart

7. BE GENUINE

8. Stay in touch

9. Remember details about the person. This is a place where Facebook can help. People are always posting information about their lives. Pay attention.

These are such great guidelines for networking! Know who you are and what you bring to the table. Then be quiet! Stop trying to tell everyone everything about you. Instead be interested in them. Allow them the time and opportunity to get to know you. Sales aren’t made at the events. They happen after time and when there is a need.

It is the relationships you build during networking that will help you grow your business over time. As the relationships grow the ways in which you can help each other will grow. And there is nothing better!

Writing as Muscle Memory on Accelerate Your Business Growth Radio Show on Monday September 27th at 1:00 PM EDT

2010-09-23T05:43:00.000-05:00

Cleveland, OH September 23, 2010 – Today’s show on Accelerate Your Business Growth welcomes guest John Ettorre of Working With Words. John will be helping us learn how to tone our writing muscles to hone our businesses.

John Ettorre is an Emy-Award-winning writer, editor and writing coach, and a member of the American Society of Journalists and Writers. His seven-year-old blog, Working With Words, has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists as the best blog in Ohio, and was warmly noted in the recently published Moon Guide to Cleveland.

Listeners can log into the call online here http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbig (at no cost) to participate, or they can call in at 1-347-838-9838. Those interested in listening from their computers can do so from the host page listed above.

A podcast will be available immediately following the show for download or listening at the host page. Listeners are encouraged to follow the host, Diane Helbig, to be informed of future shows.

About Accelerate Your Business Growth and Diane Helbig

Diane is an internationally recognized business and leadership development coach, author, speaker, and workshop facilitator. As a certified, professional coach and president of Seize This Day Coaching, Diane helps businesses and organizations operate more constructively and profitably. She evaluates, encourages, and guides her clients. Accelerate Your Business Growth is an interactive, live internet talk-radio show that addresses the various aspects of business. Helbig started the show to be able to reach a broader audience. Her goal is to help small business owners everywhere do better things with their businesses. Helbig explores everything small business on her show – from sales to leadership, from time management to pricing, from business writing to life/work balance. Nothing is off limits and Helbig has scheduled world class guests to bring quality programming to her listeners. Some shows are roundtables where there is no guest. The host, Diane Helbig, discusses a particular business topic with the audience directly. Listeners are encouraged to call in at 347-838-9838 or to log in at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dhelbig to listen and participate. The show is live on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. The show is hosted on Diva Toolbox Radio.

Whether she is working one-on-one with clients or speaking to a full house, Diane delivers on her messages of embracing the possibilities and maintaining Clarity of CourseTM.

Diane is also a facilitator/instructor for the Corporate College®, a division of Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio.

In her book, Lemonade Stand Selling, Diane offers a straightforward, common sense and clear guide to the sales process. She reminds her readers that selling is as easy as when you had that lemonade stand as a child.

Through her internet radio show, Accelerate Your Business Growth, Diane brings valuable, actionable information to her listeners. In a conversational format, each show features guest speakers who share their wisdom and take questions from the audience.

Diane is a contributing expert on a variety of business websites including Small Business Trends, Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, COSE Mindspring, and Top Sales World.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Information on sponsorship can be obtained at the Seize This Day Coaching website.

About Diva Toolbox Radio

Diva Toolbox Radio is an affordable, web-based platform which allows any user with a phone and a computer to host a live, interactive internet broadcast. Hosts log into the show via a streamlined software utility and call into the show via phone. Shows stream live directly from the host’s Diva Toolbox Radio Host page. Once archived, the shows are then streamed to www.live365.com. Anyone interested in hosting a show or sponsoring the Diva Toolbox Radio should contact Janet Powers at janet@divatoolbox.com.

Contact:
Diane Helbig
216-534-2030
http://www.seizethisdaycoaching.com/
http://www.seizethisdaycoaching.blogspot.com/

Bust Your Slump

2010-09-22T09:31:00.000-05:00

Are you or your sales team finding it difficult to bring in business? If so, I suggest you take a look at Bust Your Slump: A Dozen Slump Busting Strategies to Fill Your Pipeline in 30 Days by Paul McCord which has just been released.

Bust Your Slump isn’t another book that promises easy eternal success and delivers nothing but a bunch of fluff and hype with no substance.

McCord has only a single purpose in Bust Your Slump which is to lay out in detail 12 proven, effective, real strategies that will generate business for you fast. Each chapter not only gives you the concept, it gives you a step by step process for implementing it, and then demonstrates what it can do by relating how one of his clients used.

Whether you sell B2B or B2C, are involved in a one-time close process or a long sales cycle, sell a commodity or a sophisticated product or service, you’ll find strategies that will work for you.

If you buy the book at Amazon during the next couple of days, you’ll get several hundred dollars of great bonus gifts from some of the top minds in sales such as Jill Konrath, Keith Rosen, Jonathan Farrington, Dave Kurlan, Wendy Weiss, Dave Brock and many others - me included! Head over to http://www.bustyourslump.com/bonus.html to see all of the great bonuses you get for simply buying a book that will fill your pipeline.

Bust Your Slump is top notch. The strategies are real and they work. You’ll have to invest the time and effort to implement them. These aren’t magic bullets. But they are the real deal.

I encourage you to head over to Amazon and pick up your copy then head over and grab your bonuses at http://www.bustyourslump.com/bonus.html. Would you rather have the Kindle version? Get it here.

Seize This Day

How To Be One Of The 3

Small Business Book Awards

Make Networking ‘Work’ for You on Accelerate Your Business Growth Radio Show on Monday January 23rd at 1:00 PM EST

Make The Shift

So, TODAY(January 17th) – spend $15.95 to get thousands free. Dr. JackieBlack said, “If you only buy oneself-help or business book this year, make it this one.”

How To Use Tradeshows Effectively

How To Get Access To My Contacts

Sales Force Automation Improvements

How To Create An Effective Sales Process

Tech Essentials with Jane Applegate

Entrepreneurship - Are You Ready?

How To Create Loyal Clients

How To Define Your Ideal Client

Gratitude Is More Than A Holiday Emotion

How To Create An Effective Elevator Pitch

M.O. Interview

2011 Top Sales Awards

201 Great Ideas for Your Small Business

Mobile Retail POS Applications - interesting post

Proper Prospecting

The ABCs of Sales Strategy for Small Business

Jeffrey Rayport Speaks

5 Shark Tips

WE’VE GOT TO START MEETING LIKE THIS! Tuesday, November 14, 2011 On Accelerate Your Business Growth, the radio show that’s “all things small business”!

Writing to Influence

When The Phone Doesn't Ring

Is Your Technology Future In The Cloud?

It's Not A Resume

CHANGE YOUR THINKING, CHANGE YOUR LIFE THIS WEEK ON “Accelerate Your Business Growth” Live with Diane Helbig Monday, August 22nd

Is Cold Calling Still Relevant?

Is Groupon Right For Your Retail Business

DEBRA WOOG TO GUEST ON ACCELERATE YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH Creator of The Brilliance-Based Business Success System™ Shares Tips for Entrepreneur Success

Are Successful People Really Morons?

Marketing Message Misstep #4

Small Business Influencers

Until You've Got It, You Don't

Google+ For Business

DIGITAL MARKETING STRATEGIES AND ROI - ON ACCELERATE YOUR BUSINESS GROWTH RADIO JULY 11TH 1PM EDT

Relationship With Money

I'm A Kickstarter!

June 27th on Accelerate Your Business Growth Radio Show

1 in 20

I Just Called To Say . . .

Messaging Magic #1

“WHAT MAKES A GENUINE BUSINESS PIONEER?” This Week on Accelerate Your Business Growth

The Other Side of Sales

Messaging Misstep #3

Software for Retailers

The Opportunity To Succeed

Enjoy Your Business Writing and Deal Well With Difficult People on Accelerate Your Business Growth Radio Show on Monday May 23rd at 1:00 PM EST

This Is How We Heal The World

Messaging Misstep #2

2011 Sales & Marketing Success Conference

Messaging Magic #1

Messaging Misstep #1

10 Most Common Money Mistakes on Accelerate Your Business Growth Radio Show on Monday April 25th at 1:00 PM EDT

Messaging Magic and Missteps

Why Bother?

How Is Your Business Perceived And Are You Killing It? on Accelerate Your Business Growth Radio Show on Monday March 28th at 1:00 PM EDT

A Great Sales Magazine

Green+Entrepreneur+Community

Don't Sweat The Social Scene

This Is How It Works

Marketing Message Tip

It's a Collaboration

Do You LOVE Your Clients?

Stop Wasting Money and Start Communicating Across Generations on Accelerate Your Business Growth Radio Show on Monday January 24th at 1:00 PM EST

Do You Have Charisma?

Group Coaching for Success

Business Owners Toolkit Interview

Social Media Marketing for 2011

Roadmapping for 2011

Lemonade Lesson #27 - Always On

Best Biz Books of 2010

Lemonade Lesson #26 - Keeping The Clients You Have

Top Sales Awards

Lemonade Lesson #25 - Objections

Gratitude

Building a Relationship with the Media AND Succeeding Like the Amish on Accelerate Your Business Growth Radio Show on Monday November 22nd at 1:00 PM EST

So, TODAY(January 17^th) – spend $15.95 to get thousands free. Dr. JackieBlack said, “If you only buy oneself-help or business book this year, make it this one.”